Archivo OVNI Flying Discs del FBI, parte 5 (1949-1950)

[PAGE 1] [Stamp: Declassification authority derived from FBI Automatic Declassification Guide, issued May 24, 2007.] FBI - CENTRAL RECORDS CENTER HQ - HEADQUARTERS Class / Case # 0062 83894 Sub 5 Vol. 186 Serial # 245 7/15/715510 FOIPA # 993087 62-HQ-83894 SERIALS 186-245 SECTION 5 Department of Justice RECEIVED FROM OR ADDED TO THIS FILE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION PICKETT STREET COPIED FOR FOIPA JAN 19 1978 COPIED FOR FOIPA MAR 3 1978 COPIED FOR FOIPA MAY 14 1977 COPIED FOR FOIPA APR 11 1978 SECTION 5 SERIALS 186-245 USE CARE IN HANDLING THIS FILE Transfer-Call 3421 [PAGE 2] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [Stamp: COPIED FOR FOIPA] Handwritten notations on the back of the file cover (numbers and names, largely illegible). [PAGE 3] Office Memorandum · UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : Director, FBI FROM : SAC, San Antonio DATE: July 26, 1949 SUBJECT: FLYING DISKS INTERNAL SECURITY - R On July 15, 1949, the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-2, Fourth Army, advised that a small article which had appeared in the Galveston (Texas) News on July 10, 1949, advertised the fact that the Young Men's Business Club of Alexandria, Louisiana, announced that it was planning a convention for persons from all over the nation who have seen flying saucers. It was stated that the convention was planned so that members may compare notes. It was also stated that flying disks were reported twice inthe week preceding the article in Alexandria, Louisiana. The above is furnished as a matter of information. cc: New Orleans RECORDED - 22 62-83894-186 EX-112 34 JUL 29 1949 FBI 100-7545 JEJ:wjw 52 AUG 5 1949 246 [PAGE 4] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [Stamp: RECEIVED U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE FBI RECD ESPIONAGE AUG 4 5 25 PM '49] (reverse of page 3; mirrored show-through only) [PAGE 5] OFFICE OF DIRECTOR FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Record of Telephone Call or Visitor [Handwritten: Flying Saucers] Mr. Tolson / Mr. Clegg / Mr. Glavin / Mr. Ladd / Mr. Nichols / Mr. Rosen / Mr. Tracy / Mr. Egan / Mr. Gurnea / Mr. Harbo / Mr. Jones / Mr. Mohr / Mr. Pennington / Tele. Room / Mr. Nease / Miss Holmes / Miss Gandy Mr. Ernest Cuneo called--phoned from New York City Phone No. Hour 10:54am Date July 11, 1949 REMARKS When informed of Mr. Hoover's and Mr. Ladd's absence from their office, Mr. Cuneo declined to speak to anyone else and stated that he was just following up on a conversation he had with Mr. Ladd over the weekend. He asked that Mr. Ladd be informed of his call. rjp RECORDED - 59 62-83894-187 INDEXED - 59 3 AUG 8 1949 FBI 61 AUG 11 1949 [PAGE 6] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [Stamps: RECEIVED - FLETCHER AUG 8 7 26 PM '49; RECEIVED-TOLSON FBI DEPT. OF JUSTICE JUL 11 [illegible] PM '49; RECEIVED - FLETCHER JUL 11 7 54 PM '49; RECEIVED-LADD FBI U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE JUL 11 1 58 PM '49] [PAGE 7] OFFICE OF DIRECTOR FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Record of Telephone Call or Visitor Mr. Tolson / Mr. Clegg / Mr. Glavin / Mr. Ladd / Mr. Nichols / Mr. Rosen / Mr. Tracy / Mr. Egan / Mr. Gurnea / Mr. Harbo / Mr. Jones / Mr. Mohr / Mr. Pennington / Tele. Room / Mr. Nease / Miss Holmes / Miss Gandy Mr. Ernest Cuneo thru. opr. from NYC called--phoned. Phone No. Hour 10:29am Date July 12, 1949 REMARKS When informed that Mr. Hoover was not in his office, Mr. Cuneo asked to speak with Mr. Ladd, and after checking the call was transferred, to Mr. Ladd. Mr. Ladd advises that Mr. Cuneo was calling about the matter he dicussed with Mr. Ladd on last Saturday re a flying saucer in California. Mr. Cuneo asked if he could release the story. He was told that this was up to him rjp/mhm [Handwritten: What have done re it?] RECORDED - 59 62-83894-188 INDEXED - 59 3 AUG 19 1949 FBI 61 AUG 11 1949 [PAGE 8] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [Stamps: RECEIVED-LADD FBI U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE JUL 12 1 46 PM '49; RECEIVED - FLETCHER AUG 8 7 28 PM '49; RECEIVED - FLETCHER JUL 12 7 56 PM '49; Aug 5; further overlapping received stamps, partly illegible] [PAGE 9] July 21, 1949 Mr. Ernest Cuneo 40 Wall Street New York, New York Dear Ernie: You will recall the telephone conversations about Mr. Peter Camerlon Jones, 164 West 37th Street, Los Angeles 7, California, and information furnished by him on the subject of flying saucers. I thought you would like to know that efforts made to locate Mr. Jones have been unsuccessful and casual inquiry in the vicinity he mentioned did not develop information about any one who is acquainted with him. I thought you might wish to consider the possibility that the original letter in this matter may have been a prank. Sincerely yours, [Signature stamp/typed name partly illegible] RECORDED - 59 62-8389[4]-189 INDEXED - 59 3 AUG 19 1949 FBI FEC:gr COMMUNICATIONS SECTION MAILED JUL 22 1949 P.M. FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE RECEIVED-FLETCHER AUG 8 7 [..] PM '49 U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE RECEIVED FBI Jul 22 [..] '49 61 AUG 11 1949 Mr. Tolson / Mr. Clegg / Mr. Glavin / Mr. Ladd / Mr. Nichols / Mr. Rosen / Mr. Tracy / Mr. Egan / Mr. Gurnea / Mr. Harbo / Mr. Mohr / Mr. Pennington / Mr. Quinn Tamm / Tele. Room / Mr. Nease / Miss Gandy [PAGE 10] Office Memorandum · UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : THE DIRECTOR FROM : D. M. Ladd DATE: July 12, 1949 SUBJECT: You inquired as to what was being done with reference to the information concerning flying saucers, which information was furnished by Ernest Cuneo. I desire to advise that a letter is being prepared for the Los Angeles Office suggesting that they make a discreet check of the background of the individual who wrote the letter to Winchell and thereafter interview him for details. It is believed that a letter is satisfactory inasmuch as it is noted that this alleged incident occurred in 1947. DML:dad [Handwritten: This should have been done the first thing monday instead of waiting until Wed to get it out] [Handwritten: Teletype to LA 7-13-49] RECORDED - 59 62-83894-190 INDEXED - 59 3 AUG 9 1949 FBI 61 AUG 11 1949 Mr. Tolson / Mr. Clegg / Mr. Glavin / Mr. Ladd / Mr. Nichols / Mr. Rosen / Mr. Tracy / Mr. Egan / Mr. Gurnea / Mr. Harbo / Mr. Mohr / Mr. Pennington / Mr. Quinn Tamm / Tele. Room / Mr. Nease / Miss Holmes / Miss Gandy [PAGE 11] JULY 18, 1949 URGENT SAC, LOS ANGELES PETER CAMERLON JONES, INFORMATION CONCERNING. REMYTEL JULY TWELVE LAST. SUTEL RESULTS YOUR BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION AND INTERVIEW OF SUBJECT. HOOVER EHM:jpa RECORDED - 59 62-83894-191 INDEXED - 59 3 AUG 9 1949 FBI [Stamps: INITIALED DIRECTOR'S OFFICE; RECEIVED - DIRECTOR FBI U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE JUL 18 12 [..] PM '49; RECEIVED ROOM; FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION JUL 18 1949; RECEIVED - FLETCHER AUG 8 7 26 PM '49; COPIES DESTROYED; TELEMETER 270 NOV 18 1964] [Handwritten: Flying Saucers] 61 AUG 11 1949 Mr. Tolson / Mr. Clegg / Mr. Glavin / Mr. Ladd / Mr. Nichols / Mr. Rosen / Mr. Tracy / Mr. Egan / Mr. Gurnea / Mr. Harbo / Mr. Mohr / Mr. Pennington / Mr. Quinn Tamm / Tele. Room / Mr. Nease / Miss Gandy [PAGE 12] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [Mirrored show-through of the teletype on the reverse; stamps: RECEIVED - FLETCHER AUG 8 7 26 PM '49; FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION JUL 18 1949; TELEMETER] [PAGE 13] FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION Room 5744 7-20 1949 TO: Director / Mr. Ladd / Mr. Clegg / Mr. Glavin / Mr. Harbo / Mr. Nichols / Mr. Rosen / Mr. Tracy / Mr. Fletcher / Mr. Mohr / Mr. Carlson / Mr. Nease / Miss Gandy / Personnel Files Section / Records Section / Mrs. Skillman See Me / For Appropriate Action / Send File / Note and Return [Handwritten: Prepare note to Cuneo today] Clyde Tolson [PAGE 14] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [Stamps: RECEIVED - [..] AUG 8 7 25 PM; MR. JONES JUL 21 10 26 AM '49 RECEIVED FBI DEPT. OF JUSTICE] [Handwritten pencil notes, show-through of the routing slip: Mr. Ernest Cuneo, 40 Wall St., N.Y., N.Y., Dear Ernie:] [PAGE 15] Federal Bureau of Investigation United States Department of Justice Los Angeles 13, California July 13, 1949 DIRECTOR, FBI Re: PETER CAMERLON JONES INFORMATION CONCERNING Dear Sir: Re your teletype July 12, 1949. Present owner for one and one half years and former manager of court for six years, which includes 164 W. 37th Street, Los Angeles, do not know PETER CAMERLON JONES. Other investigation in an endeavor to locate JONES was not productive. - RUC - [Stamp: DEFERRED RECORDING, struck through] Very truly yours, R. B. Hood R. B. HOOD, SAC IHM;jcw 62-3364 AMSD [Handwritten: Flying Saucers] RECORDED - 59 62-83894-192 INDEXED - 59 3 AUG 9 1949 FBI [Stamps: RECEIVED - FLETCHER AUG 8 7 27 PM; RECEIVED; partially mirrored received stamps] 61 AUG 11 1949 Mr. Tolson / Mr. Ladd / Mr. Clegg / Mr. Glavin / Mr. Nichols / Mr. Rosen / Mr. Tracy / Mr. Harbo / Mr. Mohr / Tele. Room / Mr. Nease / Miss Gandy [PAGE 16] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [Mirrored show-through of the Los Angeles letter on the reverse (page 15); stamps: RECEIVED ROSEN JUL 18 10 08 AM '49 FBI DEPT. OF JUSTICE; RECEIVED INVESTIGATIVE DIVISION; RECEIVED-FLETCHER; 61 AUG 11 1949; handwritten note 7-18-49] [PAGE 17] CC - 150 FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ROUTINE JULY 12, 1949 TO: COMMUNICATIONS SECTION. SAC, LOS ANGELES Transmit the following message to: PETER CAMERLON JONES, ONE SIXTYFOUR WEST THIRTYSEVENTH STREET, LOS ANGELES, INFORMATION CONCERNING. SUBJECT ADDRESSED A LETTER TO WALTER WINCHELL RELATING THAT IN AUGUST, NINETEEN FORTYSEVEN, HE WAS HIKING IN THE MOUNTAINS OUT OF LA AND HE OBSERVED ABOUT ONE HALF BLOCK AWAY FROM HIM A LARGE SILVER METAL OBJECT SHAPED LIKE A CHILD'S TOP ABOUT THE SIZE OF A BALLOON. HE GAINED THE IMPRESSION THERE WAS LIFE WITHIN THE OBJECT THOUGH HE SAW NO ONE. HE STOOD UP AND WAVED TOWARDS THE OBJECT AND WITHIN A SECOND IT TOOK OFF, KNOCKING HIM TO THE GROUND. DISCREETLY CHECK BACKGROUND OF JONES. THEREAFTER, INTERVIEW HIM FOR THE PURPOSE OF DETERMINING ANY FACTS IN HIS POSSESSION CONCERNING THE STATEMENTS SET OUT HEREIN. HOOVER HBF:CMW RECORDED - 59 62-83894-193 INDEXED - 59 3 AUG 9 1949 FBI [Handwritten: Flying Saucers / Peter Camerlon Jones] [Stamps: INITIALED DIRECTOR'S OFFICE; RECEIVED-DIRECTOR FBI U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE JUL 12 4 38 PM '49; RECEIVED - FLETCHER AUG 8 7 [..] PM '49; COPIES DESTROYED 270 NOV 18 1964; FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION JUL 12 1949; 61 AUG 11 1949; TELEMETER] SENT VIA ____ M Per C Mr. Tolson / Mr. E. A. Tamm / Mr. Clegg / Mr. Glavin / Mr. Ladd / Mr. Nichols / Mr. Rosen / Mr. Tracy / Mr. Carson / Mr. Egan / Mr. Gurnea / Mr. Harbo / Mr. Hendon / Mr. Pennington / Mr. Quinn Tamm / Mr. Nease / Miss Gandy [PAGE 18] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [Mirrored show-through of the teletype on the reverse (page 17); stamps: RECEIVED-DIRECTOR FBI JUL 12 4 [..] PM '49; RECEIVED - FLETCHER AUG 8 7 27 PM '49; COPIES DESTROYED 270 NOV 18 1964; COMMUNICATIONS SECTION JUL 12 1949; TELEMETER] [PAGE 19] Office Memorandum · UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : THE DIRECTOR FROM : D. M. Ladd DATE: July 12, 1949 SUBJECT: FLYING SAUCERS I took a call from Ernest Cuneo by reference from your office. He referred to his call of last Saturday relative to a letter Mr. Winchell received from a man in Los Angeles concerning flying saucers. He stated that Winchell wanted to do a column on this letter if the Bureau had no objection. I told him that whatever he did with reference to writing the story concerning this letter was entirely up to him and would in no way affect anything the Bureau was doing. I suggested that he might desire to check with the Air Corps inasmuch as the handling of flying saucers was a matter of primary interest to them. He stated, "To hell with the Air Force. He just didn't want to release the information if it would affect the Bureau". DML:dad [Handwritten: Walter Winchell] RECORDED - 59 62-83894-194 INDEXED - 59 3 AUG 19 1949 FBI 61 AUG 11 1949 Mr. Tolson / Mr. Clegg / Mr. Glavin / Mr. Ladd / Mr. Nichols / Mr. Rosen / Mr. Tracy / Mr. Egan / Mr. Gurnea / Mr. Harbo / Mr. Mohr / Mr. Pennington / Mr. Quinn Tamm / Tele. Room / Mr. Nease / Miss Holmes / Miss Gandy [PAGE 20] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [Mirrored show-through of the memorandum on the reverse (page 19); stamps: RECEIVED-LADD FBI U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE JUL 12 12 44 PM '49; RECEIVED-FLETCHER JUL 12 6 43 PM '49; RECEIVED-NICHOLS FBI JUL 12 [..] PM '49; RECEIVED FBI RECD ESPIONAGE JUL 13 10 [..] AM '49; JUL 13 3 22 PM '49; overlapping received stamps, partly illegible] [PAGE 21] Office Memorandum · UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : The Director FROM : Mr. Ladd DATE: July 9, 1949 SUBJECT: FLYING SAUCERS Ernest Cuneo advised that Walter Winchell had received a letter from Peter Camerlon Jones, 164 West 37th Street, Los Angeles 7, California. Mr. Cuneo read the letter to me and it was very well written, obviously by a man of intelligence. In this letter Jones stated that in August of 1947 he left Los Angeles for the mountains and started hiking through the mountains. About 10:00 A. M. he was lying on the ground when he observed about one-half block away from him a large silver metal, greenish in color, shaped like a child's top and about the size of the balloons used at County Fairs. He stated that there appeared to be two windows in the object and portions of metal appeared transparent and that he gained the impression that there was some life within this object although he saw no persons. The object appeared as though sealed as a pressure chamber. He stood up and waved towards this object and this so-called flying saucer was off the ground in a second, knocking Jones to the ground. In its flight he stated that its power was silent and he raised the question as to whether this was an inter-global landing on our planet. He thought that it might be a device to land in our planet because the occupants of another planet had become curious as to the reaction caused by the explosion of the atomic bomb causing trouble in an expanded universe. He asked the question as to whether it was possible that the occupants of another planet might have solved the theory of negative gravity. Mr. Cuneo stated that this letter indicated a very good knowledge of physics and that he thought it would be interesting to check into Jones' background and then possibly interview him about this alleged flying saucer. Mr. Cuneo stated that it would appear that Jones may have actually seen a flying saucer, that in any event it made an awfully good story and he requested that the Bureau keep the matter in confidence. I would recommend that the Los Angeles Office discreetly check into the background of Jones and thereafter interview him for the purpose of determining any facts he possesses about flying saucers in order that it may be determined whether his story is in any way accurate. DML:dhb [Handwritten: Tele. LA WBF 7-12-49] RECORDED - 59 INDEXED - 59 62-83894-195 3 AUG 19 1949 FBI 61 AUG 11 1949 Mr. Tolson / Mr. Clegg / Mr. Ladd / Mr. Nichols / Mr. Rosen / Mr. Tracy / Mr. Egan / Mr. Gurnea / Mr. Harbo / Mr. Mohr / Mr. Pennington / Mr. Quinn Tamm / Mr. Nease / Miss Holmes / Miss Gandy [PAGE 22] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [Mirrored show-through of the memorandum on the reverse (page 21); stamps: RECEIVED-NICHOLS FBI U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE AUG 8 2 24 PM '49; RECEIVED-LADD FBI U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE JUL 11 11 17 AM '49; RECEIVED-FLETCHER JUL 11 12 52 PM '49; RECEIVED-FLETCHER AUG 8 7 25 PM '49; RECEIVED-DIRECTOR JUL 9 4 09 PM '49; RECEIVED JUL 13 9 38 AM '49; RECD ESPIONAGE; RECEIVED-TOLSON JUL 11 10 30 AM '49] [PAGE 23] FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION Division Four 1949 Director, 5633 / Mr. Tolson, 5744 / Mr. Ladd, 5734 / Mr. Clegg, 5256 / Mr. Glavin, 5517 / Mr. Harbo, 7641 / Mr. Fletcher, 1742 / Mr. Nichols, 5640 / Mr. Rosen, 5706 / Mr. Tracy, 4130 IB / Mr. McGuire, 5640 / Miss Gandy, 5633 Mr. Logue, 5263 / Mr. Donohue, 3710 / Fugitive Desk, 5720 / Lab. Night Sup'r. 7619 / Movement Section, 5266 / Leave Clerk, 7623 / Reading Room, 5531 / Mail Room, 5533 / Coding Unit, 4642 / Routing, 7133 Teletype Unit Room 5644, Ext. 687 [PAGE 24] FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION JUL 18 1949 TELEMETER WASH 2 FROM LOS ANGELES 18 10-35 AM DIRECTOR URGENT PETER CAMERLON JONES, INFO. CONCERNING. REURTEL JULY EIGHTEEN. EFFORTS TO IDENTIFY OR LOCATE JONES NEGATIVE. HOOD ACK PLS [Handwritten: Flying Saucers; 2244; Thru Mosley (struck); Jul 5 - EHM] RECORDED - 77 62-83894-196 INDEXED - 77 3 JUL 21 1949 FBI 57 AUG 23 1949 EX-1 Mr. Tolson / Mr. Ladd / Mr. Clegg / Mr. Glavin / Mr. Nichols / Mr. Rosen / Mr. Tracy / Mr. Harbo / Mr. Mohr / Tele. Room / Mr. Nease / Miss Gandy [PAGE 25] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [Mirrored show-through of the teletype on the reverse (page 24); stamp: RECEIVED TELETYPE UNIT JUL 18 2 56 PM '49 F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE; COMMUNICATIONS SECTION JUL 18 1949; TELEMETER] [PAGE 26] CONFIDENTIAL N. N. I. 96--1943 ISSUED BY THE INTELLIGENCE DIVISION OFFICE OF CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS NAVY DEPARTMENT INTELLIGENCE REPORT Flying Discs Serial Monograph Index Guide No. From DIO-11ND at San Diego Date 23 June 1949 Reference CNO Conf Ser 04422P32 dtd 4 Nov 1948, subj: Flying Discs - Report Of. Source See Below. Evaluation B-3 Subject Unidentified Flying Objects - Report Of. BRIEF: While flying north in a private plane source, who is believed to be reliable, saw 6 or 7 "flying discs" in southern Oregon 27 May 1949. The discs are described as elongated ovals, perhaps 20' in length; they flew in a steady file formation at between 200 to 250 MPH; they appeared to be made of unpainted metal; no smoke or exhaust trails were observed. SOURCE: LTJG Joseph C. SHELL, A5(L), USNR (Inactive), Serial #348375, of 4575 Northridge Drive, Los Angeles, California. He was commissioned Ensign 5 January 1944. Served at Corpus Christie 30 days AF(T); in Dallas two months VRF-2(D). Ferried SNJ's from North American Company plants. Was at Willow Grove, Pennsylvania for 30 days. Served at check-out base for ferry squadron VRF(2) at Columbus; served at Columbus until August 1945. Source then was with VRF(3) at Terminal Island, California, where he became legal and personnel officer. Was discharged from the Navy in January 1946 as LTJG. Source holds Naval Aviator's Certificate #C-17945, plus a senior pilot's rating in the Ferry Wing of the Naval Air Transport Command. He also holds a commercial license, single and multi-engine, and flight instructor's ratings. His flight time began in 1934 and now totals over 5000 hours, of which time 1300 hours were in the U.S.Navy. Source secured a private license in 1935, a transport license in 1937, a commercial pilot's license in 1938, and a re-issue commercial pilot's license in 1945 (#184256). From March 1942 to September 1943 he was flight instructor for the Army Air Force (5 months as primary instructor at Cal-Aero, and the balance of the time as basic instructor at Lancaster, California). From September 1943 to January 1944 he flew for the Superior Oil Company of California. Since 1940 source has been Vice-President of the Royal Petroleum Company of California, Long Beach, a concern in which he and his relations own all of the stock; he also is part-owner of three other oil producing concerns in Southern California. Source is married and has three children. He has a B.S. and B.A. degree from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; he also had two years of law at the University of Southern California. Source is thirty years of age, but appears to have a background of experience few men his age possess. He is believed to be conservative, sincere, absolutely reliable, and very competent. Routing space below for use in O. N. I. DIO(Original and Master Ditto); DIO-11ND N 15047 / Op3 22V / 322F2 OR 13-6 US / 322Y (4) / 322H2 / 322H2B5 / 438/28 CIA (8) / DI USAF (4) (DAB) / ID GOUSA (4) EXCL. --- DI USAF only. (THIS IS PAGE 1 OF FOUR PAGES) Declassified by NIS letter, 9/28/77 concerning request of BRUCE S. MACCABEE 7306 TF 10/3/77 RECORDED - 60 62-83894-197 52 AUG 22 1949 [Handwritten margin: FLYING DISCS; Rec'd 8/3/49; routing notes] [PAGE 27] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [Stamps: RECEIVED INTERNAL SECURITY U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE FBI AUG 4 4 18 PM '49; RECEIVED RECD ESPIONAGE AUG 4 10 13 AM '49] [PAGE 28] CONFIDENTIAL DIO-11ND Serial 38-49 23 June 1949 Subject: Unidentified Flying Objects - Report of. REPORT: Unidentified Flying Objects Observed in Oregon 27 May 1949: On Friday, 27 May 1949, source was flying his own SNJ-type aircraft from Red Bluff, California to Burns, Oregon, a distance of 305 miles. He left Red Bluff at 1332 P.S.T. and arrived at Burns at 1458 P.S.T. (elapsed time: 1 hour 26 minutes). Source landed at Burns after circling the town twice, which consumed about ten minutes. While an SNJ's normal maximum speed is 170 MPH, source "demilitarized" his plane (which he had purchased at War Surplus, lightening the plane by about 800 lbs.) and it makes around 200 MPH true air speed. While on this flight he made 212 MPH ground speed; source estimates he had a tail wind of 15 to 18 MPH. At 1425 Pacific Standard Time, Friday, 27 May 1949, source observed the sun reflecting on an object or objects at a considerable distance ahead, a few points to the starboard. He continued to watch the course taken by the reflecting material expecting it to materialise into conventional aircraft as the distance lessened between him and the object or objects. As the objects reached the long bluffs (shown on the Boise (V-2) Aeronautical Chart as Hart Mountain) which run for a number of miles along the east side of some dry lakes (Swamp, Flagstaff, Campbell and Stone Corral Lakes) he saw that instead of a single object there were several, which seemed to be flying in formation. At this point the objects appeared to have changed their course so that they were paralleling his course (southwest to his northeast) and were following the bluffs' rim at about 1000 to 1500 feet below source's altitude, at a distance which he estimates to have been 5½ to 7½ miles. Source is certain that it could not have been as far as 10 miles since the bluffs were less than 10 miles away and he could see the objects outlined against the bluffs. The objects that source saw are described by him as follows: Size of each object: Considerably smaller than a fighter plane, probably less than 20' in length. All of the separate objects appeared to be the same in size. Shape of objects: There was no break in the outline. Source is certain he would have recognised conventional aircraft configuration, and no great thickness. They were elongated oval, perhaps twice as long as wide, and perhaps five times as long as thick. Source points out he observed the objects from an angle from above and could not easily estimate their thickness; they could possibly have been egg-shaped, and could conceivably have been perfectly oval. The objects seemed definitely solid objects - there was nothing ethereal about them. Speed of objects: Source is confident they were traveling at least as fast as source's own plane (212 MPH). Source had a tail wind of 15 to 18 MPH and the objects would therefore have been doing over 230 MPH air speed. The objects were traveling south/southwest, opposite to source's course. Calculating the speed of the objects, several different ways from the facts at hand, the speed of the objects varies between 190 to 260 MPH. Source concluded at the time of observation that he could not possibly have [illegible] around and caught up with the objects. They were definitely travel[ing faster] than a group of birds, and slower than jet planes. No trail of smo[ke or] exhaust was observed. The speed of the objects appeared to be stea[dy]. Terrain, elevations, population, etc. in area: Source flew at 9000' [MSL] which was between 4000' and 5000' above terrain. During most of the time of observation, the objects were 1000' to possibly 1500' below source's plane. Towards the end of sighting when source had begun to come down he was almost on a level with them in altitude. [PAGE 29] CONFIDENTIAL DIO-11ND Serial 38-49 23 June 1949 Subject: Unidentified Flying Objects - Report of. The valley through which source flew north, and the objects flew south, is roughly 12 miles wide. The floor of the valley is between 4000' to 5000' in elevation. The east side of the valley is dominated by Hart Mountain (8020' in elevation). Hart Mountain stands on an elongated bluff, which has an almost sheer drop of around 1000'. The bluff, and all the terrain, against which source saw the objects is quite dark in color. The objects stood out in contrast to the dark color. The objects appeared to be unpainted metal. The rim of the bluff on the east side of the valley is about 7000' in elevation. From where source saw the objects (at 9000' elevation) they were roughly in line with the rim of the bluff (7000'). Assuming the objects were 1 to 3 miles away from the bluff-rim, they were probably flying at about 8000' MSL, and about 3500' above the valley floor. The valley where source sighted the objects is sparsely populated; however, there are a number of ranches there - more than are indicated on the Boise (V-2) Aeronautical Chart. Source believes that if persons living in the valley were questioned, chances are several might be found who saw the objects from the ground. Source has flown through this valley many times in going between California and Oregon and does not recall ever having seen another airplane in the valley where he sighted the objects. The valley is not a commercial airway route, and is seldom used by private planes. Source does not recall ever seeing any automobiles on the dirt roads in the valley, shown as such on the Boise (V-2) section of Aeronautical Chart. Number and formation of objects: At the beginning of observation, when the objects were a few degrees to the starboard of dead ahead, source could not distinguish separate objects - all he saw were reflections; however, as he came closer and passed them by 5½ to 7½ miles he definitely saw 6 or 7 separate objects. To be on the safe side source states with positiveness that there were no less than 5 objects and no more than 8. The objects were always in file formation (one behind the other) and there appeared to be no change in altitude of the formation. The space between the lead object and the next one was three or four times the length of one of the objects. The distance between the second and the following objects was between one-half and two-thirds the length of the objects. Accordingly, if the objects were 20' in length, the distance between #1 and #2 was 60 to 80 feet, and the distance between #2 and the others was between 10 and 17 feet. The distance between the objects appeared very constant. The objects were so close and appeared to keep their formation spacing in a manner which indicated they might have been under tow by the leading object. At the distance of sighting, no connection, if there was any, could possibly have been observed. Source is positive that the objects were separate objects because he was able to see terrain between them. The formation did not fluctuate in flight; the objects flew very evenly and steadily. When so[urce last saw the] objects they were going out of visual range on the horizon. Weather and visibility at time of observation: Vi[sibility was] exceptionally good. Source could see Harney Lake, 60 miles [away, and could] see smoke rising from the saw mills at Burns, Oregon, 75 mi[les away. There] were a few scattered clouds at between 14,000' and 18,000'. The weather report at the time indicated "scattered clouds at 18,000'". The air was very smooth. Normally the air in the area is light to mildly turbulent. The sun was beh[ind] of source; that is, source's plane was between the sun and the objects. Location of sighting objects: (Refer to Boise (V-2) Sectional Aeronautical Chart). Source's location when objects were first sighted [illegible] [PAGE 30] CONFIDENTIAL DIO-11ND Serial 38-49 23 June 1949 Subject: Unidentified Flying Objects - Report Of. observed the objects. This position could possibly be as much as five miles SSW of the position given. Source's location when objects left his visual range was 42°41'N, 119°49'W. Source flew in a straight line between these coordinates. Location of objects when first observed: 42°38'N, 119°43'W. Location of objects when last seen: 42°28'N, 119°48'W. The objects made a slight change of course from quartering to paralleling source's straight line of flight. REPORTING OFFICER'S COMMENT: It is believed that conventional aircraft, birds, balloons, astronomical phenomena, and auto-hypnosis can be eliminated as an explanation for the objects sighted by source. Since source was not flying into the sun and since he is an expert pilot-instructor, VERTIGO does not appear to be a reasonable explanation; nor do reflections on, or irregularities of, the plexi-glass canopy through which source viewed the objects offer a reasonable explanation, because of the wide range of observance of the objects. As far as the reporting officer's comment is concerned (as well as source's own comment) the explanation of source's sighting of the strange flying objects remains a question mark. [PAGE 31] Director, FBI August 16, 1949 SAC, San Antonio PROTECTION OF VITAL INSTALLATIONS I am attaching hereto a number of copies of reports being received in great numbers in this office concerning the so-called flying disks or unnatural phenomena being frequently observed around Camp Hood, Texas. This is, of course, a primary concern of the Air Corps. Consequently, this office is following the practice of reviewing these data and then destroying them in the event there appears to be nothing of FBI interest therein. It is pointed out that the filing of these would result in the rapid accumulation of very bulky files. Unless the Bureau believes this is unwise, this practice will continue. Encls. CEW:cs 100-7545 [Handwritten: copies of reports filed with original] 62-83894 NOT RECORDED 149 AUG 28 1949 51 SEP 9 1949 [PAGE 32] FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION AUG 20 1949 TELEMETER WASHINGTON FROM LOSA 3 20 240 pm DIRECTOR URGENT RE FLYING DISKS. LA TIMES, AUG. TWENTY, ARTICLE DATELINED, WASHINGTON, AUG. NINETEEN, U.P. RELEASE, INDICATING U. S. AIR FORCE SEARCHING FOR JONATHAN CALDWELL WHO MADE FLYING DISKS DISCOVERED IN MARLEY PARK MD. INFO RECEIVED J. E. CALDWELL LOCATED AT ONE FOUR FIVE SIX - NINTH ST. MANHATTAN BEACH ; CALIF. THIS INFO BEING FURNISHED OSI, MAYWOOD, MONDAY UNLESS ADVISED TO CONTRARY. HOOD [Handwritten notes: OSI advised 4:30 p.m. 8-21-49; cc: Mr. Fletcher] 62-83894-198 RECORDED - 99 4 AUG 24 1949 50 SEP 1 1949 EX-126 Mr. Tolson / Mr. Ladd / Mr. Clegg / Mr. Glavin / Mr. Nichols / Mr. Rosen / Mr. Tracy / Mr. Harbo / Mr. Mohr / Tele. Room / Mr. Nease / Miss Gandy [PAGE 33] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [Mirrored show-through of the teletype on the reverse (page 32); stamps: RECEIVED TELETYPE UNIT Aug 20 7 11 PM '49 F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE; CORRELATION-LIAISON F.B.I. U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE Aug 22 12 41 PM '49; RECEIVED-LADD FBI Aug 22 9 59 AM '49; RECEIVED-FLETCHER Aug 22 2 45 PM '49; COMMUNICATIONS SECTION AUG 20 1949; TELEMETER] [PAGE 34] FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE CC-150 To: COMMUNICATIONS SECTION. Transmit the following message to: AUGUST 21, 1949 SAC, LOS ANGELES URGENT FLYING DISKS. REURTEL AUGUST TWENTY LAST. BUREAU ADVISING OSI HEADQUARTERS TODAY OF ADDRESS J. E. CALDWELL, MANHATTAN BEACH, CALIFORNIA. YOU SHOULD ALSO FURNISH THIS ADDRESS OSI REPRESENTATIVE YOUR DIVISION TODAY. HOOVER. JEN:ed cc- Mr. Newby Mr. Sanders Mr. Whitson Mr. Fletcher G.I.R. 4 RECORDED - 30 62-83894-199 EX-34 2 AUG 22 1949 FBI FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION AUG 21 1949 TELEMETER 62 AUG 31 1949 SENT VIA ____ M Per E COPIES DESTROYED 270 NOV 18 1964 Tolson / Clegg / Glavin / Ladd / Nichols / Rosen / Tracy / Egan / Gurnea / Harbo / Mohr / Pennington / Quinn Tamm / Tele. Room / Nease / Gandy [PAGE 35] Office Memorandum · UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : DIRECTOR, FBI FROM : SAC, INDIANAPOLIS DATE: September 6, 1949 SUBJECT: FLYING SAUCERS SECURITY MATTER - X ELBERT W. FARRIS of OSI, Benjamin Harrison Air Base called at this office recently to ascertain if there was any current information on "flying saucers". He stated that he had been instructed recently to contact Dr. RICHARD K. PARRISH of Decatur, Indiana, with reference to a flying saucer he allegedly observed in the vicinity of Lake of the Woods, Canada, on or about July 1, 1949. An FBI Agent by the name of METCALF of the Omaha office was alleged to have seen the same saucer. [Text present — not reproduced: private individual's unfounded claims about disease causes and a connection to flying saucers; one paragraph (also mentions a reported 1948 sighting in the Carolinas and FARRIS consulting an Air Base physician, checking records, and reporting the matter to Air Force authorities at Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio)] It has also come to the attention of this office that FARRIS made inquiry of the Indiana University Medical School, Indianapolis, Indiana, where the doctors treated the entire matter as a big joke. FARRIS also stated that Dr. PARRISH had heard while in Canada that there had been some rather strange events somewhere in the interior with respect to finding what might have been remains of flying saucers. The foregoing is furnished for the information of the Bureau. This office is taking no action in the matter. HAK/fjd 100-0 RECORDED - 137 62-83894-200 INDEXED - 137 5 SEP 8 1949 FBI EX-68 58 SEP 15 1949 [PAGE 36] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [Mirrored show-through of the memorandum on the reverse (page 35); stamp: RECEIVED INTERNAL SECURITY U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE FBI SEP 14 3 18 PM '49] [PAGE 37] RECORDED - 36 62-83894-201 October 12, 1949 Mr. Maurice E. Hatten 419 East Main Street Circleville, Ohio Dear Mr. Hatten: Your letter dated October 8, 1949, has been received and in response to your request I am returning it to you at this time. For your information the jurisdiction of this Bureau does not extend outside the United States and its Possessions. It is therefore suggested that you may wish to communicate with the Division of International Press and Publications, Office of Public Affairs, United States Department of State, 21st Street and Virginia Avenue, Washington, D. C., with regard to the suggestion made in your letter. Sincerely yours, John Edgar Hoover Director Enclosure NOTE: The enclosure is incoming letter being returned to correspondent at his request. ARA:cjh [Stamp: COMMUNICATIONS SECTION MAILED 11 OCT 12 1949 P.M. FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE] 63 OCT 24 1949 Tolson / Ladd / Clegg / Glavin / Nichols / Rosen / Tracy / Harbo / Mohr / Tele. Room / Nease / Gandy [PAGE 38] - C O P Y - 419 East Main Street Circleville, Ohio 1949 October 8 permanent address: Route 2 Delaware, Ohio Mr. J. Edgar Hoover Director Federal Bureau of Investigation Department of Justice Washington, D. C. Dear Mr. Hoover: It is requested that this letter be returned to the above address and no record of it kept in FBI files. If is it true that the Soviet leaders intend to use the flying disk in an attempt to confuse and terrify the American people, why should we not state to the United Nations that we believe this condition to exist and further request permission from United Nations to fly American printed statements into the USSR in the interests of peace and better understanding between the two nations? To prevent the belief that such a method would be used, be either nation, to carry bombs rather than paper, it should be pointed out that it is not necessary to employ airplanes for the purpose insofar as actually flying over enemy territory is concerned. There are several possible means of placing information at the disposal of citizens of either country via air; I mention small balloons incapable of carrying more than a few pounds, or finned, cardboard disks capable of drifting on wind currents for great distances after release from several miles height. (I reserve the right to claim patent rights to the latter "flying newspaper".) Inasmuch as we have been told that the Communist Party is a very small minority in the USSR, it is impossible to prevent information, printed, from reaching many good people there if flown in by the millions. Of couse there would be a penalty in Russia for reading them if cought, but curiosity being curiosity, many would be read and remembered. And no one really believes that children could be prevented from picking up objects floating in from another country. Shall freedom of the press be defended in some countries at cost in lives, yet denied across nations, the latter being contrary to United Nations principles? Yours sincerely, s/ Maurice E. Hatten INDEXED - 36 RECORDED - 36 62-83894-201 [Handwritten: 10-12-49 ARA] [PAGE 39] Office Memorandum · UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : DIRECTOR, FBI FROM : SAC, Pittsburgh DATE: October 2, 1949 SUBJECT: GLEN SPROUSE, Informant FLYING DISCS, MISCELLANEOUS On September 26, 1949, GLEN SPROUSE, 608 Montrose Drive, S. Charleston, West Virginia, appeared at the Charleston, West Virginia, resident agency and gave to Special Agent JOHN B. WOODRUFF the attached letter. Mr. SPROUSE stated that he had written the letter following a pleasure flight from Clark Field, St. Albans, West Virginia, to Parkersburg, West Virginia, on September 25, 1949. Mr. SPROUSE stated that after writing the letter, he did not know whether it would be of any interest to the FBI and decided that instead of mailing it directly to the Bureau at Washington, he would contact the local agent and turn it over to him if it were thought it would be of interest to the Bureau. Mr. SPROUSE stated that he has set out the complete details of this incident in his letter and that there is nothing further that he can add. He further stated that he is certain this was not a mirage and that it actually occurred. No further action is being taken by this office unless specified to do so by the Bureau. ENCL JBW/jw 62-0 RECORDED 87 62-83894-202 INDEXED - 87 13 OCT 25 1949 FBI EX-119 [Handwritten: let to Air Force ehm-g 10-14-49; For Security Division] [PAGE 40] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [Mirrored show-through of the memorandum on the reverse (page 39); stamps: RECEIVED F B I U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE RECD ESPIONAGE OCT 10 10 06 AM '49; MR. JONES OCT 5 2 43 PM '49 RECEIVED; RECEIVED RECORDS SEC Oct 5 11 59 AM '49; handwritten note 10/5] [PAGE 41] 608 Montrose Drive S. Charleston, W. Va. September 25, 1949. Federal Bureau of Investigation Washington D. C. Gentlemen: An incident happened this afternoon which after consideration I felt I should report. I most certainly do not want this incident disclosed, as I do not want any publicity concerning it. If you regard it of no special interest to the F.B.I. please disregard this correspondence. I was flying from (Clark Field) to Parkersburg, W. Va. this afternoon and about four miles airline, southwest of Parkersburg, I suddenly noticed a bright yellow object coming directly towards me. It came at me with such speed, added to my 100 m.p.h. forward speed that it startled me and had passed by in a matter of a couple of seconds. But it passed by about 100 feet under my ship and about 50 feet to my right, and because of the dark green background of the forests below I was able to get a very clear outline of the object, and what I believe is a very accurate description. Color - bright canary yellow Length- about 15 to 18 inches Diameter- About 4" in the largest part It resembled a rocket, in fact was about the same shape and proportions as the fuselage of a Lockheed Air Force X-90 No wings but vertical and horizontal fins on rear 1/3 of the rocket. No visable means of propulsion such as prepeller, vapor trail, smoke or exhaust. The front of the rocket was very sharp with a needle nose, the needle looked about 6" long and was the size of a lead pencil. The rear end was blunt similar to the rear end of a jet fuselage. I was flying my ship, (a Luscombe 8A, NC 1440K) and was traveling about 100 m.p.h. at the time. I was at 3450 ft above sea level at the time. I was flying a compass course of 60 degrees, and the rocket was traveling almost west at 240 degrees. It happened about 2:45 P.M. on the above date. The visability was exceptionally good, about 30 miles. The yellow object looked very sharp and clearly outlined because of the dark green background, If you will refer to the Huntington sectional aerial map this object was sighted over a very small town named Lubeck, which is about 4 miles direct west of South Parkersburg. It appeared to have spent it's force and seemed to be dropping slightly as it passed by, or had been fired or launched from a higher altitude than the altitude I was flying. end My wife was with me but she did not see the object, and I did not tell her of the incident until we had landed at Parkersburg. Very truly yours, Glen Sprouse ENCLOSURE RECORDED 87 62-83894-202 [Handwritten: let to Air Force 10-14-49 ehm-g] [PAGE 42] COMMUNICATION [REGISTERED MAIL] [Stamp: APPROPRIATE AGENCIES AND FIELD OFFICES ADVISED BY ROUTING SLIP(S) OF 2040 DATE 9/1/77] [Handwritten: Declassified 2840 8/31/77] RECORDED 87 62-83894-202 EX-119 Date: October 19, 1949 To: Director Office of Special Investigations The Inspector General Department of the Air Force The Pentagon Washington, D. C. From: John Edgar Hoover - Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation Subject: FLYING DISCS There is set forth the following unverified information relating to the captioned matter which was furnished to this Bureau by a confidential source whose reliability is unknown and who has requested that his identity not be revealed. "I was flying from ... to Parkersburg, W. Va. this afternoon (September 25, 1949) and about four miles airline, southwest of Parkersburg, I suddenly noticed a bright yellow object coming directly towards me. It came at me with such speed, added to my 100 m.p.h. forward speed that it startled me and had passed by in a matter of a couple of seconds, but it passed by about 100 feet under my ship and about 50 feet to my right, and because of the dark green background of the forests below I was able to get a very clear outline of the object, and what I believe is a very accurate description. "Color - bright canary yellow "Length - about 15 to 18 inches "Diameter - about 4" in the largest part "It resembled a rocket, in fact was about the same shape and proportions as the fuselage of a Lockheed Air Force X-90 [Stamp: COMMUNICATIONS SECTION MAILED 12 OCT 20 1949 P.M. FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE] EHM:cg:rmh Tolson / Ladd / Clegg / Glavin / Nichols / Rosen / Tracy / Harbo / Mohr / Tele. Room / Nease / Gandy 52 NOV 1 1949 [PAGE 43] [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: quoted statement of a private pilot describing a rocket-shaped yellow object seen near South Parkersburg, West Virginia, about 2:45 P.M. — fins at rear, no visible propulsion, sharp needle nose, about 100 mph, 3450 feet altitude, heading west] The above has been furnished to you for your information and assistance in connection with the captioned matter. - 2 - [PAGE 44] [Stamp: DECLASSIFIED Authority: NND 90986] [Handwritten: SECRET crossed out] DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE STAFF MESSAGE DIVISION INCOMING CLASSIFIED MESSAGE [Handwritten: Flying Discs] [Handwritten notes in margins, partly illegible] SECRET (struck through) PRIORITY FROM: HQ 13TH OSI DST OFFUTT AFB, OMAHA, NEBRASKA TO : DIR OF SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS HQ USAF, WASH., D.C. INFO: DIST COMDR 14 OSI DIST LOWRY AFB, COLO (ZEN) DIST COMDR 17 OSI DIST KIRTLAND AFB, NEW MEXICO (ZEN) NR : OSI 8 16 January 1950 (THIS IS REHAS OSI 8 DTD 14 JAN 50. CATEGORY BAKER MESSAGE). Rudy Fick says Flying saucers from Venus came to earth by accident. Rudy Fick, well known Kansas City auto dealer stopped in Denver 2 weeks ago while returning from Ogden, Utah. At that time he called on the manager of Ford Agency. Their conversation was interrupted by some engineers arriving for a meeting; one of whom was a man named Coulter. Coulter revealed some startling information. He (Coulter) stated he "Crashed the Gate" at a radar station near New Mexico and Arizona borders, and while there he saw 2 of the highly secret "Flying Saucers." Spot report details---the information contained herein was furnished from article which appeared in the Wyandotte Echo newspaper, Kansas City, Kansas, 6 January 1950. Of the two flying saucers one was badly damaged and the other almost perfectly intact. They consisted of 2 parts, a cockpit or cabin about 6 feet in diameter. A ring 18 feet across and 2 feet thick surrounded the cabin. The cabin was constructed of metal resembling aluminum, but the actual make of the metal has defied analysis. Coulter had a piece of the metal in his possession and gave it to the Ford man to send to the Dearborne plant for analysis. This man (Coulter) showed the group, including Fick, a clock or automatic calendar which was taken from one of the flying saucers. This clock or automatic calendar consisted of 2 pieces of metal together with some unusual type of metal. On the face of 1 or 2 pieces of this metal there appeared an indentation which rotated around the disk completing a cycle each 28 days. According to the information given Coulter around 50 of these flying saucers have been found in the United States in a period of 2 years. Of these, 40 are in the 7 US Research Bureau in Los Angeles. Each of the craft had a crew of 2. The bodies in the damaged ship were charred, but the other ship's occupants were in a perfect state of preservation, although dead. CAF IN: 7130 (16 Jan 50) Page 1 [Stamps: RECORDED - 31; RECEIVED; FEB 13 1950; SECRET EX-10 (struck through)] [Handwritten: 62-83894-203; Enclosure; other handwritten notes, partly illegible] [PAGE 45] SECRET (struck through) Page 2 All were uniform height of 3 feet; blond, beardless and their teeth were completely free of fillings or cavities. They wore no under garments, but had their bodies taped and were dressed in a sort of wire. A quantity of food in tablet form was found in ship. Mr. Fick assumed that the reason behind the apparent lack of security was that the Government wanted the information spread from unofficial sources until people are more or less familiar with the facts. Mr. Fick feels that the security department of the military fear that the sudden shock of a surprise announcement that interplanitary travel is possible might cause mass hysteria. Fick is well known locally and has a number of friends at the Kansas City Star. OSI District 13 will interview Fick and will make additional inquiries at the Kansas City Star. Coulter not otherwise identified, but can be reached through Ford agency in Denver. Action: Information copies furnished OSI Districts 14 and 17 for action. The editor of the Kansas City Star stated that while they were aware of this story they did not dare publish it in the paper because it is too fantastic. ACTION: DIRECTOR, SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS INFO : DCS/O DIRECTOR OF INTELLIGENCE DCS/O DIRECTOR OF PLANS & OPERATIONS DCS/O POLICY DIVISION CHIEF OF STAFF'S LOG, USAF CAF IN: 7130 (16 Jan 50) DTG: 16/1430Z CVC/lws RC 28/16th SECRET (struck through) [PAGE 46] CONFIDENTIAL (struck through) DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE STAFF MESSAGE DIVISION INCOMING CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CONFIDENTIAL (struck through) PRIORITY FROM: 13 OSI DIST OFFUTT AFB, OMAHA NEBRASKA, SGD THOMPSON TO : CSAF, WASHINGTON 25, D.C. DIST COMDR 14TH OSI DIST LOWRY AFB, COLORADO DIST COMDR 17TH OSI DIST KIRTLAND AFB ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO NR : OSI 11. 17 January 1950 This refers to TWX from 13th OSI District, Offutt AFB, Omaha, Nebraska, dated 13 January and spot intelligence report dated 16 January, subject: "Flying Saucers From Venus Come To Earth." For your information both TWX and spot report are downgraded to Confidential. NOTE: Reference TWX is CAF-IN-7130, 17 Jan 50 (OSI). ACTION: OSI. INFO : ODS, OIN, OPO, OOP, OPY, CAG-30. CAF IN: 7331. (18 Jan 50) DTG: 172110Z. RCW/jgl. CONFIDENTIAL (struck through) RC-NBR: 25/18. [Handwritten stamp: 62-83894-203 ENCLOSURE] CONFIDENTIAL (struck through) [PAGE 47] [Handwritten letter] 1953 Fitzgerald St Phila 45 Pa 24-1-50 - Flying Saucers Re:- Flying Saucers Gentlemen:- With the persistent debate pro + con on the above - It sort of annoys me and since I have an opinion of international nature, I'd feel pretty bad if I happened to be right and it resulted in harm to my country I realize I might be wasting your time (my theory perhaps having been considered and discounted) but on the other hand if it's a new angle it might bear investigation very Truly and sincerely Ferdinand E. C. Pfeil P.S. my store is open 6:30 a.m. to 7 P.m. (1 P.m. Wed) closed lunch hour (1 to 2 P.m.) [Stamps/handwriting: RECORDED - 128; 62-83894-204; FEB 7 1950; FILE; other marginal notes] [PAGE 48] January 30, 1950 RECORDED - 128 62-83894-204 INDEXED - 128 Mr. Ferdinand E. C. Pfeil 1953 Fitzgerald Street Philadelphia 45, Pennsylvania Dear Mr. Pfeil: Your letter of January 24, 1950, has been received and while I appreciate your offer to furnish me your observations concerning the flying saucers, this matter is not being investigated by the FBI. Sincerely yours, John Edgar Hoover Director NJC:aip [Stamps: FEB 1 - 1950 COMM-FBI; U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE RECEIVED READING ROOM JAN 31 5:42 PM 50; FEB 15 1950; routing list (Tolson, Ladd, Clegg, Glavin, Nichols, Rosen, Tracy, Carbo, Mohr, Tele. Room, Nease, Gandy); handwritten notes] [PAGE 49] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [Stamps only, rotated: RECORDED 128; INDEXED 128; RECEIVED FBI U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE FEB 1 12:29 PM 50; RECEIVED-LADD FEB 2 4:01 PM 50; faint show-through of typed letter from the reverse] [PAGE 50] [Handwritten letter] Paxinos, Pa Feb. 12th 1950 Flying Saucers Dear Sir: I am writing you about the flying disc saucers and am inclosing dates which I would like for you to have checked with flying Saucers Project to see if any were reported seen on the dates I have down. below. Date - time - Direction from My Home. Jan 25th 1950 - 10:15 A.M. Southeast; 3:00 P.M. Southwest; 4:00 P.M. Jan 26th 1950 - 11:50 A.M. till 12:30 P.M. South - or east. Jan 27th 1950 - 12:00 noon South; 1:45 P.M. South east; night Jan 28th 1950 - 11:00 AM East Jan 29th 1950 - 1:00 P.M. also night 8:39 P.M. Jan 30th 1950 - 2:00 P.M. Northwest Feb. 3rd 1950 - 10 A.M. - 11 A.M. - 12.0 Noon. Southeast Feb. 4th 1950 - 4:30 P.M. - 2:30 P.M. Southwest Feb. 8th 1950 - 11:45 A.M. till 12:15 P.M. Noon, 1:30 P.M. till 3:05 Feb. 10th 1950 - Night 8:40 P.M. West [Text present — not reproduced: remainder of letter, personal suspicions and distrust expressed by the writer; it asks that the dates be checked, promises more dates later, and requests confidentiality] [Stamps/handwriting: RECORDED; 62-83894-205; FEB 23 1950; note "over"] [PAGE 51] [Handwritten letter, page II] [Text present — not reproduced: personal suspicions about postal workers and requests for discreet correspondence, no letterhead] Thanking You I remain Mr. Walter Fisher. R.D #1 Paxinos Pa [Text present — not reproduced: postscript suggesting that the Flying Saucers Project could have people watching and compare the times and places seen with the writer's list of dates] [Stamp: MR. JONES FEB 16 12:18 PM 50 RECEIVED FBI U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE] [PAGE 52] February 20, 1950 RECORDED - 125 INDEXED - 125 62-83894-205 Mr. Walter Fisher Route 1 Paxinos, Pennsylvania Dear Mr. Fisher: Your letter of February 12, 1950, has been received and I appreciate your thoughtfulness in making available the information which you furnished. If in the future additional data comes to your attention which you feel should be made available to the FBI please feel free to furnish it to Mr. A. Cornelius, Special Agent in Charge of our Philadelphia Office, 500 Widener Building, Philadelphia 7, Pennsylvania. Sincerely yours, John Edgar Hoover Director CC: Philadelphia, [Stamps: U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE FBI RECEIVED-MAIL ROOM FEB 21 11 20 AM 50; MAILED 16 FEB 21 1950 COMM-FBI; routing list (Tolson, Ladd, Clegg, Glavin, Nichols, Rosen, Tracy, Harbo, Mohr, Tele. Room, Nease, Gandy); handwritten notes] [PAGE 53] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [Stamps only: RECORDED - 125 INDEXED - 125; U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE FBI RECEIVED-MAIL ROOM FEB 21 11 20 AM 50; COMM-FBI FEB 21 1950; faint show-through of typed letter from the reverse] [PAGE 54] FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION MAR - 9 1950 TELETYPE [Routing box: Mr. Tolson, Mr. Ladd, Mr. Clegg, Mr. Glavin, Mr. Nichols, Mr. Rosen, Mr. Tracy, Mr. Harbo, Mr. Belmont, Mr. Mohr, Tele. Room, Mr. Nease, Miss Gandy; handwritten checks and notes] FBI, DENVER 3-9-50 9-25 PM JHM DIRECTOR, FBI URGENT FLYING SAUCERS. TWO SOURCES ADVISED TODAY THAT UNIDENTIFIED INDIVIDUAL HAS GIVEN AT LEAST ONE AND POSSIBLY MORE LECTURES BEFORE CLASSES AT DENVER UNIVERSITY YESTERDAY OR TODAY IN WHICH HE DISCUSSED FLYING SAUCERS WHICH HE ALLEGEDLY PERSONALLY OBSERVED. THIS PERSON CLAIMS TO HAVE SEEN SEVERAL SUCH OBJECTS, ONE OF WHICH ALLEGEDLY LANDED IN NEW MEXICO. HE ALSO CLAIMS TO HAVE OBSERVED OCCUPANTS OF SAUCERS DESCRIBED BY HIM AS OF HUMAN FORM, BUT ABOUT THREE FEET TALL. THESE OCCUPANTS OF SAUCERS ALLEGEDLY DEAD AT TIME HE OBSERVED THEM. THIS LECTURER [redacted] REFUSED TO REVEAL IDENTITY, BUT IS KNOWN TO GEORGE KOEHLER, WHO IS [redacted] CONNECTED WITH RADIO STATION KMYR, DENVER. KOEHLER REPORTED TO HAVE MADE SOME PREVIOUS CLAIMS HIMSELF WITH RESPECT TO OBSERVING FLYING SAUCERS. LOCAL PRESS AND ALSO WIRE SERVICES CARRYING STORIES CONCERNING THESE LECTURES AT DENVER UNIVERSITY. OSI, DENVER, HAS NO ADDITIONAL INFORMATION EXCEPT THAT GEORGE KOEHLER IN JANUARY THIS YEAR REPORTED TO HAVE MADE SIMILAR CLAIMS AND UPON INVESTIGATION WAS UNABLE TO PRODUCE ANY VERIFIABLE INFORMATION. [Text present — not reproduced: OSI characterization of a private individual's mental condition.] BUREAU ADVISE WHAT, IF ANY, ACTION DESIRED AT DENVER. KRAMER END 11-29 PM OK FBI WA HSU V [Stamps/handwriting: RECORDED - 33; INDEXED - 33; 62-83894-206; cc Mr Belmont; 5-EHM; handwritten "Moosburg"; "Full called 2:30 PM 3/10/50"] [PAGE 55] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [Stamps only, rotated, on the mirrored reverse of the Denver teletype: RECEIVED TELETYPE UNIT MAR 9 11 31 PM 50; MAR 10 6 54 AM 50; RECEIVED-FLETCHER MAR 10 1 30 PM 50; RECEIVED MAR 10 1 55 PM 50; RECEIVED-NICHOLS MAR 28 4 12 PM 50; RECEIVED-LADD; U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE FBI] [PAGE 56] MARCH 10, 1950 - ROUTINE SAC DENVER FLYING DISCS. REURTEL MARCH NINE LAST CAPTIONED FLYING SAUCERS AND RE BUREAU BULLETIN NUMBER FIVE SEVEN DATED OCTOBER ONE, NINETEEN FORTYSEVEN IN CAPTIONED MATTER. NO FURTHER ACTION DESIRED. HOOVER EHM:EWT [Stamps/handwriting: RECORDED - 33; 62-83894-206; FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION MAR 10 1950 TELETYPE; RECEIVED READING ROOM MAR 10 7 29 PM 50; 58 MAR 29 1950; COPIES DESTROYED 270 NOV 18 1964; routing list (Tolson, Ladd, Clegg, Glavin, Nichols, Rosen, Tracy, Harbo, Mohr, Tele. Room, Nease, Gandy); handwritten initials] [PAGE 57] CLASSIFIED INCOMING MESSAGE CONFIDENTIAL (struck through) DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY STAFF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE [Stamp: DECLASSIFIED Authority: NND 90986] [Handwritten: Rec'd from IDA 3-6-50 CWB/jo; add FBI, OSI, (AF); Harbo - RA; Flying Discs] CONFIDENTIAL (struck through) PARAPHRASE NOT REQUIRED PRIORITY From: COMGENARMYTHREE Ft McPherson Ga To: Dept of Army for Dir of Intelligence Nr: AJACI 1-2 2 Mar 50 Telephone call received from Lt Col Nunamaker Tennessee Military District 1130, 2 March. He stated that A. There is a radar station near Knoxville which has been in operation about 3 weeks. This radar station is being operated by station WROL of Knoxville. B. On 1 March at 2135 hours the station picked up an object 340 degrees and 18 miles from Knoxville altitude 40,000 feet. Direction and distance put the object directly over Oak Ridge. AEC Security Division Chief at Oak Ridge checked with Smyrna Air Base Nashville which reported it had no flight plan for any plane being in that vicinity and altitude. C. On 2 March at 1105 station picked up object at 335 degrees and 18 miles from Knoxville altitude 40,000 feet. AEC Security Div Chief checked with Smyrna Air Base with negative results. D. AEC Sec Div Chief is not certain as to operational efficiency of radar unit and requested Smyrna AB to send qualified radar operator. Smyrna has no personnel so qualified. Smyrna commander suggested Third Army send qualified radar operator to check equipment. E. Data from radar was limited to: 1. Bearing, distance and altitude on each object. 2. Third Army queried 14th Air Force to determine if 14th AF had training flights over the Knoxville area on 1 and 2 March. Answer was no. CM IN 12036 (3Mar 50) [Stamps: ACTION COPY OP'S RM; RECORDED - 46; 62-83894-207; MAR 15 1950; D. JOURNAL NO. 75 MAR 3 50; DA SCO FORM 22-3 15 JAN 1949; MAR 23 1950; COPY NO.; U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1949 - O - 830430] CONFIDENTIAL (struck through) [PAGE 58] CLASSIFIED INCOMING MESSAGE CONFIDENTIAL (struck through) DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY STAFF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE Nr: AJACI 1-2 Page 2 3. Third Army has no radar operators. 4. Inquiry of Lt Col Nunamaker revealed that Chief Security Div Oak Ridge is anxious to get qualified personnel check on the performance of the radar. ACTION: G-2 CM IN 12036 (3 Mar 50) DTG: 022030Z mlf/C CONFIDENTIAL (struck through) COPY NO. DA SCO FORM 22-3 15 JAN 1949 U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1949 - O - 830430 [PAGE 59] [Handwritten letter] Tulsa Okla, Feb. [illegible] 28, 1950 Mr. J. Edgar Hoover director of F.B.I. Washington D.C. Flying Saucers Dear Mr Hoover:- Your acknowledgement of my letter in regard to your excellent & faithful service, recd Feb. 22 here I've had something "on my chest" for several years, and it may be the time and way to do something about it, now also. It was during a time of my seven years of Civil Service work here in Tulsa, while doing Engr. drafting for the Corps of Engineers, War Department. At this time I began giving the matter serious thought. For a number of intermittent nights at about the same time, I would hear a terrific very quick noise over the four unit apartment Bldg. at 44 East 17th St. where I had a small 3 roomed apartment on the top floor. The noise only lasted a second or less, and always traveled north to south at great speed this missle or whatever overhead that I could never get to the window to look into the night sky. I reported it to the F.B.I. here (local F.B.I.) & checked all the air ports. no one knew of any craft having been there at that time. I clocked it after hearing it 4 or 5 times, and as near as I can remember now it was about 11:21 P.M. Then the time I again reported to the F.B.I. I had long before found it was not street nor building noise. The second time I called the F.B.I. the party at the other end, said wait a moment,- soon he said, a Lt. of the force had been telling him of hearing the same thing a few blocks south of me at the 21st St. bridge while out there on patrol duty! Then a few week after those noises over head, came the first word of people, seeing "flying saucers" Since living here at 1039 N. College, late last fall a flying saucer must have been what I saw that looked like a very round white cloud against a grey stormy (overcast sky.) It also rapidly drifted north to south, and while I wondered & looked at the (cloud ?) sphere I saw it disintegrate and something that looked like envelopes or paper fell toward the earth but the round object's pieces seemed to melt into the grey sky. [Stamps/handwriting: RECORDED - 14 MAR 14 1950; 62-83894-208; handwritten notes in margin] [PAGE 60] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [Stamps only: U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE FBI RECEIVED MR. JONES MAR 2 4 23 PM 50; RECEIVED RECORDS SEC. MAR 2 3 29 PM '50; RECEIVED FBI INTERNAL SECURITY MAR 27 9 34 AM 50; faint show-through of handwriting from the reverse] [PAGE 61] [Handwritten letter, page 2] It was all so plain & clear for the object was in the eastern sky & the sun just came from behind a cloud in the west at about sun down & shown upon it. I rushed to my east door to try to distinguish a plane motor or some sound of motor or a possible crash maybe a few blocks away. But I heard nothing so I again explained & reported to the F.B.I. here. I could not judge the distance of the object. Now my own radio has not been working for about 2 weeks, so that I've not recently caught all the news. But a friend of mine tells me that according to radio news, the saucers are again appearing, and are now disintegrating [Text present — not reproduced: remainder of page, the writer's personal theory about the origin and purpose of the objects, with sketches of a disc shape seen from the side and from above] [PAGE 62] [Handwritten letter, page 3] [Text present — not reproduced: the writer's personal theories on foreign powers, weather and public health, and the recounting of a dream; content includes derogatory language about ethnic groups] [PAGE 63] [Handwritten letter, page 4] [Text present — not reproduced: the writer's personal theories and a recollection of a dream, followed by a request for the recipient's opinion] Sincerely Yours. Mrs Florence B. Pervier 1039 N. College. [PAGE 64] [Diagram: hand-drawn map sketch of the northern Pacific rim showing Siberia, Alaska and Canada, with concentric circles and arrows for a hypothesized route of "saucers" and a storm area] SIBERIA "SAUCER" BASE ALASKA Possible Route of "Saucers" CANADA The "saucer" base may be further south or in such a location as to allow them in their course, to pass thru' the Alaskan weather currents, some where in their course between Alaska and U.S.A. All:- Heavier is storm area So on & all over U.S.A. by: Florence Pervier Tulsa, Okla. [PAGE 65] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [Stamps only: ENCLOSURE (rotated); 62-83894-208] [PAGE 66] March 7, 1950 RECORDED - 23 INDEXED - 23 Mrs. Florence B. Pervier 1039 North College Tulsa, Oklahoma Dear Mrs. Pervier: 62-83894-208 Your letter of February 28, 1950, has been received and I want to thank you for making your observation available to me. Your thoughtfulness in this connection is appreciated. Sincerely yours, J. Edgar Hoover John Edgar Hoover Director NOTE: Correspondent lengthly relates her observation concerning flying saucers and advised that she believes they are of Russia origin. It is noted that in her letter of February 14, she wrote to commend Mr. Hoover for his services as Director of the FBI. NJC:aip [Stamps: RECEIVED-DIRECTOR FBI U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE MAR 8 9 50; RECEIVED-MAIL ROOM MAR 8 11 38 AM; MAILED MAR 8 1950 COMM-FBI; APR 3 1950; routing list (Tolson, Ladd, Clegg, Glavin, Nichols, Rosen, Tracy, Harbo, Mohr, Tele. Room, Nease, Gandy); handwritten notes] [PAGE 67] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [Show-through only of the reverse letter; stamps: RECEIVED-MAIL ROOM MAR 8 11 38 AM 50; MAILED MAR 8 1950 COMM-FBI; U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE FBI] [PAGE 68] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum - UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : DIRECTOR, FBI DATE: March 22, 1950 FROM : GUY HOTTEL, SAC, WASHINGTON SUBJECT: FLYING SAUCERS INFORMATION CONCERNING [Handwritten: Flying Discs or Flying Saucers] [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: the well-known Hottel memorandum of 22 March 1950 relaying a second-hand claim, from an Air Force investigator via a police source, that three discs were recovered in New Mexico with small humanoid bodies, and that radar was thought to interfere with them — a paragraph noting SA Kurtzman made no evaluation] RHK:VIM [Stamps/handwriting: RECORDED - 3; INDEXED - 3; 62-83894-209; MAR 23 1950; 51 MAR 29 1950; handwritten notes and initials] [PAGE 69] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [Faint mirrored show-through of the Office Memorandum on the reverse; stamps: RECEIVED MAR 29 9 25 AM 50 INTERNAL SECURITY / ESPIONAGE SECTION U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE] [PAGE 70] CLASSIFIED INCOMING MESSAGE CONFIDENTIAL (struck through) DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY STAFF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE [Handwritten: Rec'd from IDA 3-6-50 CWB/jo; Survfor FBI; Harbo - RA; Flying Discs] CONFIDENTIAL (struck through) PARAPHRASE NOT REQUIRED PRIORITY From: COMGENARMYTHREE Ft McPherson Ga To : Dept of Army for Dir of Intelligence Nr : AJACI-3-3 3206 3 Mar 50 Reference our TWX AJACI-1-2, 2nd Mar supplementary report follows: 1. (A) At 2130 hours on 2nd Mar radar station picked up 2 objects 310 degrees, altitude 80000 feet, approximately 18 miles from Knoxville in general direction of Oak Ridge, moving in circular motion but in opposite directions. (B) At 2230 hours 2nd Mar and again at 0030 hours 3rd Mar station picked up object, moving same direction, locality and altitude. (C) Density of object similar to DC-3 airplane, speed not established but report as "terrific". 2. CIA Radar Technician reportedly arrives Knoxville today to check radar set and operation. 3. Arrangement reportedly made by FBI with Naval and Marine Reserve Unit Knoxville to set up radar equipment to verify reception of WROL radar station. 4. All information on this subject this headquarters has been turned over to A-2 Fourteenth Air Force. Note: AJACI-1-2 is CM IN 12036 (3 Mar 50) G-2 ACTION: G-2 INFO : G-3 CM IN 12184 (4 Mar 50) DTG: 031900Z ear/B [Stamps: RECORDED - 104 INDEXED - 104; 62-83894-210; MAR 14 1950; 51 APR 22 1950; DA SCO FORM 22-3 15 JAN 1949; COPY NO.; U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1949 - O - 830430; handwritten "Mar 4, 1950", "ID-1"] CONFIDENTIAL (struck through) [PAGE 71] CLASSIFIED INCOMING MESSAGE CONFIDENTIAL (struck through) DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY STAFF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE Nr: AJACI 1-2 Page 2 3. Third Army has no radar operators. 4. Inquiry of Lt Col Nunamaker revealed that Chief Security Div Oak Ridge is anxious to get qualified personnel check on the performance of the radar. ACTION: G-2 CM IN 12036 (3 Mar 50) DTG: 022030Z mlf/C DA SCO FORM 22-3 15 JAN 1949 CONFIDENTIAL (struck through) COPY NO. U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1949 - O - 830430 [PAGE 72] CLASSIFIED INCOMING MESSAGE CONFIDENTIAL (struck through) DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY STAFF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE [Handwritten: Rec'd from IDA 3-8-50 CWB/jo; FBI; Flying Saucers; Dively] CONFIDENTIAL (struck through) PARAPHRASE NOT REQUIRED PRIORITY From: COMGENARMYTHREE Ft McPherson Ga To: Dept of Army for Dir of Intelligence Nr: AJACI 1-2 2 Mar 50 Telephone call received from Lt Col Nunamaker Tennessee Military District 1130, 2 March. He stated that A. There is a radar station near Knoxville which has been in operation about 3 weeks. This radar station is being operated by station WROL of Knoxville. B. On 1 March at 2135 hours the station picked up an object 340 degrees and 18 miles from Knoxville altitude 40,000 feet. Direction and distance put the object directly over Oak Ridge. AEC Security Division Chief at Oak Ridge checked with Smyrna Air Base Nashville which reported it had no flight plan for any plane being in that vicinity and altitude. C. On 2 March at 1105 station picked up object at 335 degrees and 18 miles from Knoxville altitude 40,000 feet. AEC Security Div Chief checked with Smyrna Air Base with negative results. D. AEC Sec Div Chief is not certain as to operational efficiency of radar unit and requested Smyrna AB to send qualified radar operator. Smyrna has no personnel so qualified. Smyrna commander suggested Third Army send qualified radar operator to check equipment. E. Data from radar was limited to: 1. Bearing, distance and altitude on each object. 2. Third Army queried 14th Air Force to determine if 14th AF had training flights over the Knoxville area on 1 and 2 March. Answer was no. CM IN 12036 (3Mar 50) [Stamps: INDEXED - 19 RECORDED - 19; 62-83894-211; MAR 22 1950; EX-136; 52 APR 10 1950; D. JOURNAL NO. 75 MAR 3 50; DA SCO FORM 22-3 JAN 1949; COPY NO.; handwritten "17"] CONFIDENTIAL (struck through) [PAGE 73] FROM DO-7 OFFICE OF DIRECTOR, FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION TO OFFICIAL INDICATED BELOW BY CHECK MARK Mr. Tolson ( ) [checked] Mr. Clegg ( ) Mr. Glavin ( ) Mr. Ladd ( ) [checked] Mr. Nichols ( ) Mr. Rosen ( ) Mr. Tracy ( ) Mr. Gurnea ( ) Mr. Harbo ( ) Mr. Mohr ( ) Mr. Nease ( ) Miss Gandy ( ) See Me ( ) Note and Return ( ) For Your Recommendation ( ) What are the facts? ( ) Remarks: [Handwritten: Just what are the facts re "flying saucers"? A short memo as to whether it is true or just what Air Force etc think of them.] [Stamps: ENCLOSURE; 62-83894-212; faint show-through of RECEIVED stamps] [PAGE 74] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [Mirrored show-through of the routing slip on the reverse; stamps: RECEIVED MAR 27 11 58 AM 50 ESPIONAGE FBI U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE; RECEIVED-LADD MAR 27 10 59 AM 50; RECEIVED-LADD APR 3 5 43 PM 50; RECEIVED-NICHOLS APR 4 5 59 PM 50] [PAGE 75] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum - UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : The Director DATE: March 28, 1950 FROM : D. M. Ladd SUBJECT: FLYING SAUCERS [Routing box: Mr. Tolson, Mr. Clegg, Mr. Glavin, Mr. Ladd, Mr. Nichols, Mr. Rosen, Mr. Tracy, Mr. Egan, Mr. Gurnea, Mr. Harbo, Mr. Mohr, Mr. Pennington, Mr. Quinn Tamm, Tele. Room, Mr. Nease, Miss Holmes, Miss Gandy] Reference is made to your inquiry on the attached routing slip: [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: the Director's handwritten question on the routing slip asking for the facts on flying saucers and what the Air Force thinks of them] [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: the well-known Ladd memorandum of 28 March 1950 reporting that Air Force Intelligence officers Major Boggs and Lt. Col. Hearn told SA S. W. Reynolds that the Air Force project had been discontinued in late 1949, that over three-fourths of two years of incidents proved to be conventional objects, that area commanders now handle reports, and that recent sightings seemed an outgrowth of magazine articles] You will recall that the investigation of flying saucers was discontinued by the Bureau in October, 1947, in order that the Air Force could take over such investigations. (62-83894-141-160) Attachment EHM:jam,sd [Stamps/handwriting: ENCL.; RECORDED - 61; 62-83894-212; MAR 30 1950; 57 APR 5 1950; COPIES DESTROYED 270 NOV 18 1964; handwritten notes and initials] [PAGE 76] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [Mirrored show-through of the Office Memorandum on the reverse; stamps: RECEIVED-NICHOLS MAR 29 2 24 PM 50; RECEIVED-TOLSON MAR 29 11 01 AM 50; RECEIVED-LADD MAR 28 1 33 PM 50; RECEIVED-BELMONT MAR 28 3 46 PM 50; RECEIVED-DIRECTOR MAR 28 4 23 PM 50; U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE FBI] [PAGE 77] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum - UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : DIRECTOR, FBI DATE: March 31, 1950 FROM : SAC, NEW ORLEANS SUBJECT: FLYING DISCS Special Agent H. WARREN TOOL, JR., of the New Orleans Division, has a brother, J. K. TOOL, of the Wayne Welch, Inc., advertising agency, 202 Keith Building, 1025 14th St., Denver, Colorado. J. K. TOOL has advised Special Agent TOOL that an employee of the Wayne Welch, Inc., JEFFERSON B. ARMSTRONG, has been contacted by one GEORGE T. KOEHLER, 315 Franklin Street, telephone SPruce 2563, Denver, Colorado, regarding Flying Discs. KOEHLER is alleged to have told ARMSTRONG in January, 1950, that he (KOEHLER), knows a prominent Denver oilman named SILAS NEWTON, also known as a "Mysterious Mr. X", and an official of the Newton Oil Co., Equitable Building, Denver, Colorado. NEWTON is claiming that he leased land in the Mojave Desert in California and that on this land a flying disc had been found intact, with eighteen three-foot tall human-like occupants, all dead on it but not burned. Further, that the disc was alleged to be of very hard metal and near indestructible. KOEHLER is said to have exhibited a radio set to ARMSTRONG purported to be a souvenir of the space disc. According to ARMSTRONG, KOEHLER has been telling of this story off and on for the three month period prior to January, 1950, and is said to have notified ARMSTRONG of it weeks prior to the publication of a flying disc article published in the True Magazine, and one by FRANK SCULLY published in the Variety Magazine in January, 1950. KOEHLER claimed to have been visited by DONALD KEHOE, author of the article in the True Magazine. Further data was furnished that KOEHLER had been telling the tale so prolifically in Denver that he claimed to have had telephone calls from Washington, D. C. and from the Federal Bureau of Investigation in which he was requested to keep the information to himself and that, thereafter, he became mysterious about the entire matter. It is noted that considerable publicity regarding these discs has been found in Denver and other papers. This information is being furnished the Bureau and the designated offices for informational purposes. HWT:mrg 66-1199 cc: Denver Los Angeles [Handwritten: 4/12/50 OSI advised they who ader, they checked this out negatively; Rec'd 4/6/50; other notes] [Stamps: RECORDED - 28 INDEXED - 28; 62-83894-213; APR 3 1950; 34 APR 19 1950; COPIES DESTROYED 270 NOV 18 1964; EX-94] [PAGE 78] [Routing box: Mr. Tolson, Mr. Ladd, Mr. Clegg, Mr. Glavin, Mr. Nichols, Mr. Rosen, Mr. Tracy, Mr. Harbo, Mr. Belmont, Mr. Mohr, Tele. Room, Mr. Nease, Miss Gandy; handwritten checks] FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION MAR 30 1950 TELETYPE FBI ALBUQUERQUE 3-30-50 7-55 PM MST TOH [redacted] DIRECTOR, FBI URGENT FLYING SAUCERS, INFO CONCERNING. JIM BARDEN, STUDENT, UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO AND REPORTER FOR SCHOOL PAPER FURNISHED THIS OFFICE WITH TRICK PHOTOGRAPH OF MOUNTIAN SIDE SHOWING A FLYINGSAUCER CRASHED AND BURNING ON THE SIDE OF THE MOUNTIAN, LITTLE MEN WALKING AWAY AND FOUR FLYING SAUCERS HOVERING AROUND THE CRASHED ONE, BARDEN, WHO HAS VOLUNTARILY FURNISHED INFORMATION TO THIS OFFICE PREVIOUSLY STATED HE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MAKING THE TRICK PHOTOGRAPH. HE FIRST TOOK A PHOTOGRAPH OF A HILLSIDE NEAR ALBUQUERQUE, HAD THE FLYING SAUCERS, CRASHED SAUCER, SMOKE AND LITTLE MEN DRAWN IN AND THEN MADE THE FINAL PHOTOGRAPH. BORDEN STATED THIS PHOTOGRAPH AND A RIDICULOUS STORY WILL BE PRINTED IN THE UNIV. OF N.M. SCHOOL PAPER THIRTY FIRST INSTANT AND MAY BE CARRIED OVER ASSOCIATED PRESS LINES. BORDEN WAS ADVISED THAT THIS OFFICE GAVE NO SANCTION OR CLEARANCE TO HIS IDEA. THIS FOR BUREAU-S INFORMATION. LOCAL INTELLIGENCE REPRESENTATIVES ADVISED. WYLY CORRECTION FIRST WORD FOURTH LINE BURNING END AND ACK PLS. 10-03 PM OK FBI WA NJ cc: Mr. Nichols [Stamps: INDEXED - 112 RECORDED - 112; 62-83894-214; 52 APR 10 1950; 5-EHM] [PAGE 79] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [Mirrored show-through of the Albuquerque teletype on the reverse; stamps: RECEIVED TELETYPE UNIT MAR 30 10 08 PM '50; RECEIVED-BELMONT MAR 31 6 48 PM '50; RECEIVED-LADD MAR 31 5 04 PM '50; RECEIVED-NICHOLS APR 3 1 02 PM '50; RECEIVED-DIRECTOR MAR 31 6 15 AM '50; RECEIVED-TOLSON APR 3 3 51 PM; U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE FBI] [PAGE 80] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum - UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : MR. D. M. LADD DATE: March 3, 1950 FROM : MR. A. H. BELMONT SUBJECT: UNKNOWN OBJECT OVER OAK RIDGE, TENNESSEE, MARCH 1, 1950; STUART ADCOCK, COMPLAINANT; VITAL FACILITIES; INTERNAL SECURITY [Routing box: Tolson, Ladd, Clegg, Glavin, Nichols, Rosen, Tracy, Harbo, Mohr, Tele. Room, Nease, Gandy; handwritten notes] At 9:55 A.M. today, SAC Robey of Knoxville advised that Stuart E. Adcock, owner and operator of Radio Station WROL, Knoxville, had called the Knoxville Office at 11:15 P.M. on March 1. Adcock is a radio ham operator and has set up in his home in Knoxville an Army Surplus APN-7 radar set. Adcock advised that he had picked up on this set a "pip" indicating that an object was circling at an altitude of about 40,000 feet over Oak Ridge. Adcock stated that he customarily had followed the movement of airplanes through this set and he was sure this item was not a thunder cloud. Mr. Robey advised that the Knoxville Office had immediately notified the AEC Security Section following the receipt of the call from Mr. Adcock. At 5:30 P.M. on March 2, Mr. Adcock again called to say that he had again picked up an object at 11:15 A.M. on March 2 about 100,000 feet up and about 18 miles from his home in Knoxville which would place the object over Oak Ridge. Mr. Robey advised that CIC Agents had been given the information coming from the Knoxville Office, as a result of which CIC Agents and OSI representatives went out last night and looked over Mr. Adcock's set. They did see an object on the screen about 11:00 or 12:00 P.M. last night. They reported this information to the Third Army. Mr. Robey was of the opinion that the Air Force probably has sent the information to Washington also. Army CIC has now informed that CIA is going to send a technician down from Washington to examine the set. Mr. Robey had no information as to how CIA had jurisdiction. Mr. Robey advised that the Army is also contemplating sending a man up from Atlanta with a portable radar set to check into this situation. In addition, the Naval Reserve has a set locally and is putting it into operation this morning in an effort to identify this object. Mr. Robey advised that AEC and the Armed Forces' representatives are somewhat concerned about this matter and he wanted the Bureau to have the above information in case there were inquiries. ACTION I advised Mr. Robey to keep in touch with the situation and let us know immediately of any developments and as to any information picked up by the Armed Forces or the CIA representative. I also requested that he ascertain who the CIA representative is and what action he took upon his arrival. Mr. Robey was advised that no investigation should be conducted by the Knoxville Office but that he should be kept advised of developments and should send a teletype to the Bureau tonight. AHB:mer [Stamps/handwriting: 57 APR 6 1950; SE-8; 62-83894-215; MAR 17 1950; 37; handwritten "Memo dated 3-6-50 AHB" and other notes and initials] [PAGE 81] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [Mirrored show-through of the Office Memorandum on the reverse; stamps: RECEIVED-FLETCHER MAR 6 10 20 AM '50; RECEIVED-TOLSON MAR 3 4 32 PM '50; RECEIVED-LADD MAR 3 11 57 AM '50; RECEIVED-NICHOLS MAR 3 4 58 PM '50; RECEIVED-FLETCHER MAR 3 11 29 AM; RECEIVED MAR 7 10 19 AM '50 INTERNAL SECURITY SN. FBI; RECEIVED-DIRECTOR MAR 3 1 20 PM; handwritten "rec'd 10:15 AM 3-6-50"] [PAGE 82] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum - UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : MR. LADD DATE: March 6, 1950 FROM : A. H. BELMONT SUBJECT: UNKNOWN OBJECT OVER OAK RIDGE, TENNESSEE, MARCH 1, 1950; STUART ADCOCK, COMPLAINANT; VITAL FACILITIES; INTERNAL SECURITY [Routing box: Tolson, Clegg, Glavin, Ladd, Nichols, Rosen, Tracy, Egan, Gurnea, Harbo, Mohr, Pennington, Quinn Tamm, Tele. Room, Nease, Holmes, Gandy] Reference is made to my memorandum of March 3, 1950, reflecting a call from SAC Robey, of Knoxville, in the above-entitled matter. On the morning of March 6, 1950, I called SAC Robey to ascertain what he had found out concerning this matter. He advised that a teletype had been sent reflecting that there was some question of Adcock's reliability and knowledge on radar theory; that CIC and OSI are continuing their interest in the matter; and that the CIA technician from Washington had not arrived. SAC Robey will report any further developments. AHB:tlc [Stamps/handwriting: INDEXED; SE 1 (struck through); 105-11996-1 (struck through); RECORDED - 60; 62-83894-216; MAR 7 1950; EX-93; 58 MAR 16 1950; handwritten "Flying Disc" and other notes] [PAGE 83] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [Mirrored show-through of the Office Memorandum on the reverse; stamps: RECEIVED INTERNAL SECURITY SN. MAR 13 3 26 PM '50 FBI U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE; MAR 7 9 33 AM '50; RECEIVED-LADD; handwritten note at lower edge] [PAGE 84] [Routing box: Mr. Tolson, Mr. Ladd, Mr. Clegg, Mr. Glavin, Mr. Nichols, Mr. Rosen, Mr. Tracy, Mr. Harbo, Mr. Belmont, Mr. Mohr, Tele. Room, Mr. Nease, Miss Gandy; handwritten checks and notes] FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION MAR - 6 1950 TELETYPE FBI KNOXVILLE 3-6-50 12-03 PM DIRECTOR, FBI ATT. MR. A. H. BELMONT URGENT UNKNOWN OBJECT OVER OAK RIDGE, TENN., MARCH ONE, NINETEEN FIFTY, STUART ADCOCK, COMPLAINANT, VITAL FACILITIES, IS. REMYCALL MARCH THIRD. EXISTENCE OF OBJECT REPORTED BY ADCOCK AS BEING DIRECTLY OVER OAK RIDGE AT ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND FEET ALTITUDE NOT VERIFIED. ADCOCK REPUTEDLY CAPABLE RADIO TECHNICIAN. ADCOCK CLAIMS TO HAVE DETECTED OBJECT WITH HIS RADAR EQUIPMENT ON FIVE OCCASIONS OVER THREE DAYS. NAVAL RESERVE RADAR EQUIPMENT AT KNOXVILLE DID NOT DETECT OBJECT ON ANY OCCASION, BUT TECHNICIANS STATE IT IS NOT CONSIDERED EFFICIENT FOR AIRCRAFT AT EXTREME ALTITUDES. QUALIFIED PERSONS FROM USAF AT NEPA, OAK RIDGE, TALKED WITH ADCOCK AND EXAMINED HIS RADAR EQUIPMENT. FOUND HIS EQUIPMENT NOT TOO RELIABLE AND FELT ADCOCK TECHNICALLY WRONG ON SOME RADAR THEORY. [Text present — not reproduced: remark on the condition of the complainant when interviewed.] THESE PERSONS DISCOUNT PROBABILITY. CIC AND OSI CONTINUE INTEREST BUT DO NOT CONTEMPLATE FURTHER ACTION. AEC TOOK STEPS TO HAVE RADAR TECHNICIAN SENT FROM WASH., BELIEVED FROM CIA, BUT NOT YET ARRIVED. ANY FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS WILL BE REPORTED TO BUREAU. ROBEY END 12-06 PM OK FBI WASH DC ED CC: Mr. Belmont [Stamps/handwriting: 62-83894-217; 105-11996-2 (struck through); MAR 17 1950; 37; RECORDED; COPIES DESTROYED 270 NOV 18 1964; handwritten notes "Bates advised he will ok with Rolanders", "Flying Disc", "see index"] [PAGE 85] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [Mirrored show-through of a typed teletype message from the reverse; stamps: RECEIVED-NICHOLS FBI U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE MAR 6 4 27 PM '50; RECEIVED-FLETCHER MAR 6 7 32 PM '50; RECD-CH. CLK. U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE F.B.I. MAR 6 4 15 PM '50; RECEIVED-TOLSON FBI MAR 6 1 37 PM '50; RECEIVED-DIRECTOR MAR 6 [illegible] PM '50; MAR 6 12 37 PM '50; RECEIVED ESPIONAGE MAR 7 8 59 AM '50] [PAGE 86] RECORDED - 104 62-83894-217 BY SPECIAL MESSENGER [Handwritten: Declassified 8/31/77; initials] Date: March 14, 1950 To: Atomic Energy Commission Building T-3 16th and Constitution Avenue, N. W. Washington, D. C. Attention: Mr. Francis R. Hammack Acting Director Division of Security From: John Edgar Hoover, Director - Federal Bureau of Investigation Subject: UNKNOWN OBJECT OVER OAK RIDGE, TENNESSEE, MARCH 1, 1950 STUART ADCOCK, INFORMANT VITAL FACILITIES INTERNAL SECURITY Stuart E. Adcock, operator of Radio Station WROL, Knoxville, is reported to have detected on his radar equipment an object directly over Oak Ridge, Tennessee, at an altitude of 40,000 feet at 11:15 p. m., March 1, 1950. On March 2, 1950, he advised that his radar equipment recorded an object about 100,000 feet high and approximately 18 miles from his home in Knoxville at 11:15 a. m. on that date. It was reported that Naval Reserve radar equipment at Knoxville, Tennessee, did not detect an object on any occasion but stated that the equipment was not considered efficient for aircraft at extreme altitudes. It was further reported that qualified persons at Oak Ridge, questioned Adcock and examined his radar equipment. They reportedly found his equipment not too reliable and felt that Adcock was technically wrong on some of his radar theory. The reliability of Adcock was also questioned due to some degree of inebriation. The above confirms information telephonically furnished to Mr. C. A. Rolander of your office. No investigation is being conducted by this Bureau but in the event additional information comes to our attention you will be promptly advised. cc - Director of Special Investigations The Inspector General Department of the Air Force The Pentagon Washington, D. C. cc - Director of Intelligence General Staff Department of the Army The Pentagon Washington 25, D. C. Attention: Chief, Security and Training Group CONFIDENTIAL - REGISTERED MAIL KWD:eal:mes [Stamps: CONFIDENTIAL - REGISTERED MAIL MAR 15 1950 COMM - FBI; other partly legible stamps; handwritten initials and notes; routing list at left margin: Tolson, Ladd, Clegg, Glavin, Nichols, Rosen, Tracy, Harbo, Mohr, Tele. Room, Nease, Gandy] [PAGE 87] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [Mirrored show-through of the typed letter of March 14, 1950 on the reverse; handwritten "Declassified 8/31/77" with initials; stamps: RECEIVED-MAIL ROOM U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE FBI MAR 14 7 46 PM '50; RECEIVED-TOLSON FBI MAR 14 3 27 PM '50; MAR 15 1950 COMM - FBI] [PAGE 88] CLASSIFIED INCOMING MESSAGE CONFIDENTIAL [struck through] DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY STAFF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE [Handwritten: SUXV; For: FBI; Recd from IOA 3-13-50 CWB; Flying Discs; initials] CONFIDENTIAL [struck through] PRIORITY PARAPHRASE NOT REQUIRED From: COMGENARMYTHREE Ft McPherson Ga To: Dept of Army for Director of Intel Nr: AJACI-3-5 3206 9 Mar 50 Reour TWX AJACI-3-3 subject reported radar sightings over Oakridge, additional info indicates radar operator inexperienced and radar set has been modified so as to cast doubt on reliability of reading. Chief Tennessee Mil Dist recommends expeditious action be taken to determine whether an unknown object has reappeared over Oakridge in the past few days. Chief Security Div at Oakridge requested info as to channels of communication with Air Force in connection with radar sightings. [Stamp: DECLASSIFIED Authority: NND 90986] Note: Ref is CM IN 12184 (4 Mar) G-2 62-83894-218 RECORDED - 104 ACTION: G-2 INFO: G-3 CM IN 13022 (10 Mar 50) DTG: 091430Z fmb/B 20 MAR 10 '50 24 OCS FORM 1 JAN 50 270-1 [stamp: MAR 31 1950] CONFIDENTIAL [struck through] COPY NO. REPLACES DA SCO FORM 22-3, 15 JAN 49, WHICH MAY BE USED. U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1950-O-868129 [PAGE 89] Assistant Attorney General James M. McInerney March 14, 1950 Criminal Division Director, FBI CONFIDENTIAL [struck through] [Handwritten: Declassified 8/31/77; initials] UNKNOWN OBJECT OVER OAK RIDGE, TENNESSEE, MARCH 1, 1950 STUART ADCOCK, INFORMANT VITAL FACILITIES INTERNAL SECURITY Stuart E. Adcock, operator of Radio Station WROL, Knoxville, is reported to have detected on his radar equipment an object directly over Oak Ridge, Tennessee, at an altitude of 40,000 feet at 11:15 p. m., March 1, 1950. On March 2, 1950, he advised that his radar equipment recorded an object about 100,000 feet high and approximately 18 miles from his home in Knoxville at 11:15 a. m. on that date. It was reported that Naval Reserve radar equipment at Knoxville, Tennessee, did not detect an object on any occasion but stated that the equipment was not considered efficient for aircraft at extreme altitudes. It was further reported that qualified persons at Oak Ridge questioned Adcock and examined his radar equipment. They reportedly found his equipment not too reliable and felt that Adcock was technically wrong on some of his radar theory. The reliability of Adcock was also questioned due to some degree of inebriation. No investigation is being conducted by this Bureau but in the event additional information comes to our attention you will be promptly advised. KWD:eal:mes [Handwritten: Flying Disc; 62-83894-219; stamps: APPROPRIATE AGENCIES AND FIELD OFFICES ADVISED BY ROUTING SLIP(S) OF 2040 9/1/77; RECORDED - 104; INDEXED; MAR 17 1950; MAILED 12 MAR 14 1950 COMM - FBI; other stamps and initials; routing list at left margin: Tolson, Ladd, Clegg, Glavin, Nichols, Rosen, Tracy, Harbo, Mohr, Tele. Room, Nease, Gandy] [PAGE 90] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [Mirrored show-through of the typed letter to the Assistant Attorney General of March 14, 1950 on the reverse; stamps: RECEIVED-TOLSON FBI MAR 14 3 27 PM '50; RECEIVED-MAIL ROOM FBI MAR 14 7 46 PM '50; MAILED MAR 14 1950; MAR 17 1950; APPROPRIATE AGENCIES AND FIELD OFFICES ADVISED BY ROUTING SLIP(S) OF 2040 9/1/77] [PAGE 91] A short time after receiving the above information, Special Agent E. L. SEAGRAVES, CIC, 3rd Army, stationed at Knoxville, telephonically communicated with this office to determine if any further information had been received regarding the matter reported by ADCOCK. Mr. SEAGRAVES was, at that time, given all of the information which had been received by this office. SEAGRAVES advised that he had been called by his headquarters, CIC, 3rd Army, Atlanta, Georgia, and had been told to look into the matter to determine if it had any basis in fact. Mr. SEAGRAVES continued that he had made arrangements with Mr. STUART ADCOCK to have him and Special Agent W. M. PRICE, OSI, U. S. Air Forces, to visit ADCOCK's home during the evening of March 2, 1950 and observe the radar indications with him. SEAGRAVES advised that neither he nor Mr. PRICE had any radar experience and were in no sense technicians or radar operators, but would make their observations merely to determine if a real reading was being made by ADCOCK. On the morning of March 3, 1950, SEAGRAVES again telephonically communicated with this office and advised the Liaison Agent, Special Agent CHARLTON C. McSWAIN, that he and PRICE had been with ADCOCK during the previous evening and that they had observed on his radar screen some "pips" which, according to ADCOCK, indicated an object with the same general elevation and azimuth as previously reported by him. SEAGRAVES said they were unable to make any authoritative statement concerning the matter of the object or the reliability of the radar equipment, but they had seen sufficient to give them reason to believe it warranted investigation. General inquiry at this time at Radio Station WROL and other readily available sources of information divulged the fact that STUART ADCOCK is generally recognized in this vicinity as a reputable and substantial citizen in Knoxville and, in addition thereto, is recognized as somewhat of a radio authority. It was found that he is credited with being a skilled radio technician and has done considerable development and research work in the field of radio. Due to the interest which was being portrayed by all agencies concerned with this matter, the Bureau at this time was apprised by telephone conversation with A. H. BELMONT at the Bureau concerning the facts known. As a result of this conversation, SA McSWAIN was instructed to follow the matter in the capacity of an observer and to advise the Bureau of any important developments. Arrangements were made through Lieutenant Commander G. R. SHACKLETT, Commanding Officer, U. S. Naval Reserve Training Center, Alcoa Highway, Knoxville, for the Research Training Center to put into operation radar equipment which they have. At approximately 10:30 A. M. on the same day, this radar - 2 - [PAGE 92] equipment was in operation and continuous search being made. Special Agent McSWAIN, together with Special Agent SEAGRAVES, CIC, and Special Agent PRICE, OSI, observed this Navy equipment for some time but no object whatsoever could be detected. A telephone call was placed by SEAGRAVES to Mr. ADCOCK at approximately 11:00 A. M. and ADCOCK advised he had been picking up some indication of the object again. He indicated its elevation and direction as well as distance to be the same as previously reported. At the time of his conversation, the Navy equipment detected two aircraft at an elevation of approximately 2,000 feet and a general azimuth of approximately 300 degrees true and seemingly headed in the general direction of the Knoxville Municipal Airport. By way of a check, ADCOCK was asked if he detected on his equipment any objects other than those reported by him. ADCOCK stated that he had noticed two small aircraft headed in the general direction of the Knoxville Airport at a relatively low altitude but he had not paid much attention to them. ADCOCK then requested that he be allowed to view the radar equipment at the Naval Reserve Armory in order that he might coordinate his equipment with that equipment and thus obtain a better fix on the object should it again be located. The radar watch was continued and at about 11:30 A. M. ADCOCK called the armory and advised that the object being observed by him over Oak Ridge had started moving in an easterly direction and had, in a period of about twenty minutes, faded from the screen. On the afternoon of March 3, 1950 at about 1:30 P. M., STUART ADCOCK, together with CIC, OSI and FBI agents, went to the Naval Armory where ADCOCK was allowed to look at the radar equipment of the Navy. It had been previously determined from Lieutenant Commander SHACKLETT that this equipment did not comprise any classified information. At this time, ADCOCK claimed familiarity with the equipment being used by the Navy and spoke of having assisted in its development at Harvard University during the early stages of the war. ADCOCK also made statements to the effect that he had traveled extensively for the Army during the war in adapting radar for specialized services. At this time, the presence of some alcohol was noted on the breath of ADCOCK, but he was not in an inebriated condition. After examining the equipment, ADCOCK stated he did not feel that this low frequency type of radar would be of much assistance in detecting the object reported by him for several reasons, such as the elevation of the antenna, the minimum fade area, etc. These statements seemed to be in accord with the radar operator's opinion. At 3:30 P. M. on the afternoon of March 3, 1950, a conference was had with Colonel C. D. GASSER, Engineering Officer, U. S. Air Force Material Command, NEPA Site, Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Those present at the conference were Special Agent SEAGRAVES, CIC; Special Agent PRICE, OSI; Mr. GENE GOEDJEN, U. S. Air Forces Security Officer; Captain ROBERT CROSS, USAF, and Special Agent CHARLTON C. McSWAIN of this office. At this conference, Colonel GASSER - 3 - [PAGE 93] stated that while it was highly improbable that aircraft could sustain flight at an altitude of 100,000 feet, it was absolutely possible from a scientific and engineering standpoint. Therefore, it was his opinion that the matter should be followed closely. He arranged for Captain CROSS, whom he termed a radar expert, to observe with ADCOCK during the evening of March 3, 1950 the radar equipment on which ADCOCK had detected the object. Immediately following this conference, Special Agent McSWAIN contacted Mr. CHARLES WHITE, Physical Security and Plant Protection Branch, U. S. AEC, and Mr. FRANK CALLAGHAN, Assistant Chief, Security Division, U. S. AEC, to advise them of the findings and to determine what action was being taken by AEC. Both WHITE and CALLAGHAN advised that the matter had been referred to 3rd Army authorities and that beyond this, no steps had been taken. It was their belief, however, that a radar technician was being sent down, probably from Washington, to inspect the equipment owned by ADCOCK. It was erroneously reported that a CIA technician would come to Oak Ridge. Also, immediately following this conference above stated, Special Agent PRICE, OSI, called his headquarters at Maxwell Field, Alabama to determine if any action were being taken with regard to having radar equipment flown to this area to verify or disprove the findings of ADCOCK. PRICE was advised that he should act only in the capacity of an observer in the matter but that such radar equipment would be flown up, if requested by the AEC. Special Agent SEAGRAVES, CIC, stated he had also been advised by his headquarters at Atlanta to act in the capacity of an observer and that, accordingly, he had not as yet been advised whether or not the 3rd Army intended to send mobile radar equipment to the area to verify or disprove the findings of ADCOCK. Inquiry was made by Special Agent PRICE, OSI, of AEC as to whether or not they would request having radar equipment flown in by OSI authorities, and he was told by AEC that while the AEC was, of course, vitally interested in anything which directly affected the safety of the area, they nevertheless did not feel that they had the authority to make a specific request for such action inasmuch as the protection of the area from assault was the responsibility of the 3rd Army. Accordingly, they could not make any direct request for such equipment. During the evening of March 3, 1950, Special Agent CHARLTON C. McSWAIN and myself, together with SA PRICE (OSI), remained at the Naval Reserve Armory, Alcoa Highway, during which time search was being conducted by the radar equipment at this installation. Captain ROBERT CROSS, NEPA, and Special Agent SEAGRAVES, CIC, - 4 - [PAGE 94] were at the home of STUART ADCOCK observing his radar equipment during this search. No object was reported by ADCOCK during this evening and therefore Captain CROSS had no opportunity to observe his equipment in action, particularly in reference to the reported object at such phenomenal altitudes. No unusual objects were detected by the radar equipment of the U. S. Naval Reserve Armory during the entire evening. Upon abandoning the watch on this evening, a meeting was held with Captain CROSS after leaving ADCOCK's residence in order to ascertain CROSS' opinion. CROSS stated he had found ADCOCK to be technically incorrect in several matters relating to radar theory and practice and, in addition thereto, had very grave doubts as to the capabilities of the surplus APN-7 radar set which had been adapted by ADCOCK. He stated, however, that he had insufficient opportunity to observe the set in practice or to examine the radio equipment connected with the set to make any definite statements as to whether or not the detection of the unknown object would be possible with said equipment. He said, however, he did feel that ADCOCK was a capable person with pure radio techniques. On the morning of March 4, 1950 at 10:30 A. M. ADCOCK again contacted Special Agent McSWAIN of this office and Special Agent SEAGRAVES, CIC, to advise that he had again received indications of the object at approximately 100,000 feet directly over Oak Ridge and that the intensity of the radar "pip" was stronger than noted at any time previous. At about 11:40 A. M. ADCOCK again called and advised he had watched the object until approximately 11:10 A. M., at which time he had noted it stopped circling and headed off in an easterly direction at approximately 200 miles per hour, at which time it had faded from the screen in slightly less than 20 minutes. On the afternoon of March 4, 1950, Colonel C. D. GASSER and Captain ROBERT CROSS, both NEPA, visited the home of ADCOCK and carefully examined his radio and radar equipment, including the antenna and related mechanisms. After such examination and after talking at some length with ADCOCK, these two gentlemen met with Special Agent SEAGRAVES (CIC), PRICE (OSI) and McSWAIN (FBI), to give their opinions. Colonel GASSER advised they had found ADCOCK in a much inebriated condition and that they had had difficulty in making any determination as to his abilities in the field of radar. It was their belief that his equipment was haphazard at best and that no great degree of reliability could be placed therein. They did state, however, they intended to return during the morning of March 5, 1950, which was the usual time for the object to be detected. On the morning of March 5, 1950, Colonel GASSER and Captain CROSS went to the home of Mr. ADCOCK and were unable to gain entry or to find anyone at the residence. After this experience, it was the belief of these two gentlemen - 5 - [PAGE 95] that the reliability of ADCOCK was extremely dubious and they felt that the matter was worthy of little consideration. On the morning of March 6, 1950, ADCOCK again contacted Special Agent SEAGRAVES, CIC, and advised he had again observed the object at about the same altitude over the Oak Ridge area and he estimated the object to be of approximately the same density as would be caused by a DC-4 at that altitude. Again, Colonel GASSER was contacted by Special Agent PRICE of OSI and Colonel GASSER said that he intended to take some electronic equipment to the home of ADCOCK with which they could actually check the electrical circuits of his radar equipment to determine whether or not it was accurate, particularly in view of the fact they had checked some of the findings of ADCOCK with regard to known aircraft detected during previous visits and found him to be off to a considerable extent regarding speed, elevation and azimuth. During the afternoon of March 6, 1950, all day of March 7, and the morning of March 8, 1950, attempts were made by Special Agent PRICE, OSI, to get in touch with ADCOCK to make an appointment with Colonel GASSER and Captain CROSS, and ADCOCK could not be located. According to his office at Station WROL, he had left town and it was not known when he would return. In summary, therefore, it seems to be the general opinion that the actual existence of an object at such an exceptional altitude is quite improbable and no explanation is yet known as to just what was detected by ADCOCK on his screen or, in fact, whether anything was detected. On the afternoon of March 8, 1950, Special Agent SEAGRAVES telephoned Special Agent McSWAIN of this office and advised that two representatives of the 14th Air Forces with headquarters at Greenville, South Carolina, had arrived in Knoxville and contacted him with regard to making an appointment with ADCOCK to inspect his equipment. These representatives advised they did not feel it sufficiently important for them to remain or to make a return trip inasmuch as ADCOCK was unavailable. This information is being furnished to the Bureau in detail inasmuch as it is the understanding of this office that Colonel C. D. GASSER was much perturbed in the manner in which this matter was handled and has written letters to his Commanding Officer, U. S. Air Forces Material Command, Wright Field, concerning it. These letters by Colonel GASSER apparently were prompted from the fact that the 3rd Army Intelligence representative and the Air Force Intelligence representative have both been instructed to act as observers only, with no authority to act in the situation. In addition thereto, AEC felt that their responsibility had been discharged upon notifying the 3rd Army. The Bureau was obviously interested only from an observer's viewpoint and no question of jurisdiction in this regard was raised. - 6 - [PAGE 96] On the morning of March 7, 1950, Special Agent McSWAIN of this office was advised by Mr. HOWARD WOODSIDE, U. S. AEC Security Division, of steps taken by AEC in this regard. Mr. WOODSIDE stated that immediately upon receiving the report from me, he had made the matter known to the proper authorities at AEC and early the following morning he had conversed with Colonel JOHN MEADE, 3rd Army Headquarters, Atlanta, Georgia, and apprised him of the matter. Mr. WOODSIDE stated he also conversed with 14th Air Force Headquarters at Greenville, South Carolina and advised them of the matter. He stated that this was strictly in accordance with the plans drawn up between AEC and the armed forces for protection against air or land assault. He continued that the AEC has neither the facilities nor the equipment with which to defend itself in such emergencies and that such responsibility had been assumed by these agencies of the military forces. It would appear from the manner in which this incident was handled that despite the fact that all agencies seemed to be operating in the manner prescribed by agreement, and although each was apprised of the action being taken by the other and cooperating in every respect, there nevertheless seemed to be an impressive lack of any agency actually taking the responsibility for the situation and taking any action to verify or disprove the threat. Had a similar incident occurred wherein an actual threat against the physical security of the AEC Installation had been experienced, it is not implausible to believe that a similar confused fixing of final authority would have been found. It should be noted that many hours elapsed from the receiving of the first report until such time as any reasonable conclusion could be reached concerning the matter and nothing of a positive nature with regard to any action being taken had been had during all that time. While it is now felt that this entire matter was in a manner of speaking "dry run", it nevertheless warrants some consideration from a procedural standpoint and might be worthy of discussion at some liaison meeting in the future. The Bureau will be immediately advised if there are any further developments in this matter. - 7 - [PAGE 97] [Diagram: photographic negative-style magazine cover portrait of a man] U.S. News & World Report The United States News / World Report APRIL 7, 1950 15 CENTS U. S. Postage 4c PAID DAYTON, OHIO Permit No. 60 FLYING SAUCERS: THE REAL STORY SPEAKER SAM RAYBURN Congress at the Halfway Mark [Mailing label, upside down: MG? HON J EDGAR HOOVER 4936 30TH PL N W WASHINGTON 8 D C] [Handwritten notes and routing list at right: Mr. Tolson, Mr. Ladd, Mr. Nichols, Mr. Rosen, Mr. Tracy, Mr. Harbo, Mr. Belmont, Tele. Room, Miss Gandy; handwritten "mem" at left] [PAGE 98] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [Stamps and notes: 52 APR 20 1950; NOT RECORDED APR 14 1950; handwritten "62-83894-" and "File in Flying Disc file, file 5 [illegible]"] [PAGE 99] [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: magazine article, U.S. News & World Report, Volume XXVIII No. 14, Washington, D.C., April 7, 1950, page 13 — the article claims flying saucers are real jet-propelled aircraft, describes an early 1942 U.S. disk model from NACA, and speculates about Navy origins and saucer design] [Diagram: photograph captioned as a 1942 model of a U.S. saucer, NACA photo, a helicopter and jet plane combination, with men standing beside it] [PAGE 100] [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: magazine article continuation, U.S. News & World Report, April 7, 1950, page 14 — explains how jet nozzles could steer a saucer-type craft and cites published sighting reports, including airline pilots, Fort Knox and White Sands, as evidence] [Diagram: two photographs with captions — a disk-like Navy experimental aircraft credited to U.S. Navy, captioned as a dropped project; and a mock-up of an early model in a wind tunnel, NACA photo] [PAGE 101] [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: magazine article conclusion, U.S. News & World Report, April 7, 1950, page 15 — the article argues the Air Force dropped its inquiry because it knows the origin, and points to Navy guided-missile research centers as the likely builders of saucer-type aircraft] [Diagram: illustrated and photographic panels with captions (Nocturnal 'Invasion'; Surprise Package from Mars; A Plane Designer's Daydream; Home-Made Saucer; ?????; credit: photos from Bettman, Acme, Wide World); fanciful space-ship illustrations and photographs; not transcribed] [PAGE 102] SERVICE UNIT SEARCH SLIP 4-22a Supervisor [handwritten: Mossburg] Room [handwritten: 3708] Subj: [handwritten: Miguel Angel Garcia Macias] [checked] Exact Spelling All References Subversive Ref. Mail File Restricted to Locality of Searchers Initial [handwritten initials] Date [handwritten: 5-16-50] FILE NUMBER SERIALS [handwritten, struck through: 62-83894-220] [handwritten: file 5 [illegible]] Initialed [PAGE 103] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : Director, FBI DATE: April 11, 1950 FROM : SAC, New York SUBJECT: MIGUEL ANGEL GARCIA MACIAS There is enclosed a letter directed to the "President of the Commission of Scientific Investigation of the United States of North America," which was received at this office on April 7, 1950. This letter is dated at Veracruz, March 19, 1950, and is from a MIGUEL ANGEL GARCIA MACIAS. There is attached to this letter an English translation, together with a newspaper clipping in the Spanish language and four hand-drawn designs. [Text present — not reproduced: sentence speculating about the author's mental state] It is suggested that the Bureau may desire to have the enclosed examined by some Government agency familiar with the language appearing therein for its ultimate dissemination. TGS:RAA Enclosures [Handwritten and stamped notes: "Enc to trans. with letter to ... 5-12-50"; ENCLOSURE BEHIND FILE; 1 ENCL; RECORDED - 23; INDEXED - 23; 62-83894-220; APR 12 1950; "FLYING SAUCERS" at left margin; "Recd 5/8/50"; initials and notes] [PAGE 104] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [Mirrored show-through of the Office Memorandum of April 11, 1950 on the reverse; stamps: RECEIVED INTERNAL SECURITY - SN FBI U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE APR 18 3 45 PM '50; RECEIVED ESPIONAGE FBI U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE APR 19 9 53 AM '50] [PAGE 105] CONFIDENTIAL [struck through] [Handwritten: Declassified 2040 8/31/77; initials] RECORDED - 96 62-83894-220 EX-27 Date: May 17, 1950 To: Director Office of Special Investigations The Inspector General Department of the Air Force The Pentagon Washington, D. C. From: J. Edgar Hoover - Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation Subject: FLYING DISCS There are attached hereto for your information in connection with the captioned matter a communication written in Spanish dated March 19, 1950, at Veracruz, Veracruz, Mexico, and enclosures addressed to the "Presidente de la Comision de Investigacion Cientifica de Estados Unidos de Norte America." In view of the fact that a translation of the above referred to communication reflects the correspondent's interest in flying discs, it is being furnished to your office for appropriate attention. The files of this Bureau contain no information which can be identified with the writer of this letter. No reply has been made to the writer of this letter by this Bureau in view of the fact that it was not addressed to this Bureau. Attachment EHM:eal [Stamps and notes: APPROPRIATE AGENCIES AND FIELD OFFICES ADVISED BY ROUTING SLIP(S) OF 2040 9/1/77; MAILED 13 MAY 13 1950 COMM-FBI; 53 MAY 26 1950; handwritten initials; routing list at left margin: Tolson, Ladd, Clegg, Glavin, Nichols, Rosen, Tracy, Harbo, Belmont, Mohr, Tele. Room, Nease, Gandy] [PAGE 106] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [Mirrored show-through of the letter of May 17, 1950 on the reverse; handwritten "Declassified 2040 8/31/77"; stamps: RECEIVED-MAIL ROOM FBI U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE MAY 17 3 24 PM '50; 53 MAY 26 1950; APPROPRIATE AGENCIES AND FIELD OFFICES ADVISED BY ROUTING SLIP(S) OF 2040 9/1/77; RECORDED - 96; EX-27] [PAGE 107] INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE U. S. TREASURY DEPARTMENT OFFICE OF DISTRICT SUPERVISOR DISTRICT No. 9, ALCOHOL TAX UNIT 734 NEW POST OFFICE BUILDING CHICAGO 7, ILL. IN REPLYING REFER TO: [Handwritten: Alcohol Tax Unit.] April 4, 1950 Federal Bureau of Investigation Washington, D.C. This is not an April Fool joke. Saturday, April 1, 1950 at about 6 P.M. I was driving north on Route 47 - west of Geneva, Illinois and a little north of St Charles, Illinois. Just ahead, thru the windshield I saw a silvery white object in the sky. It was traveling west at about the speed of an air plane. It was shaped like this [sketch of an elongated flat outline]. I was driving at 35 M.P.H. and slowed down to 20 M.P.H. to watch this object. It went behind a white cloud and I continued to watch but the object did not come out from behind the cloud as far as I could see. Geneva is 35 miles west of Chicago, and just north of Chicago is the Glenview Airport, operated I believe by the Navy. The Saturday Evening Post carried an article sometime ago about Flying Saucers and it said to report anything like the above to the F.B.I. Miss Laura McClasky 211 N. 1st St. Geneva, Ill. or Rm 734 New Post Office Bldg Chicago [Stamps and notes: RECORDED - 56; 62-83894-221; APR 14 1950; handwritten notes at lower left: "NIC", "ack 4/11/50", "4-11-50"; initials] [PAGE 108] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [Faint show-through of the U.S. Treasury Department letterhead and seal from the reverse; stamps: RECEIVED MR JONES FBI U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE APR 6 4 18 PM '50; RECEIVED RECORDS SEC. APR 6 3 27 PM '50; RECEIVED INTERNAL SECURITY SN FBI U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE APR 24 9 45 AM '50; handwritten initials] [PAGE 109] April 11, 1950 Miss Laura McClaskey 201 North First Street Geneva, Illinois RECORDED - 56 62-83894-221 INDEXED - 56 Dear Miss McClaskey: Your letter dated April 4, 1950, has been received and I want to thank you for furnishing me the data you related. I am taking the liberty of referring a copy of your communication to the Secretary of the Air Force, National Defense Building, The Pentagon, Washington 25, D. C. Sincerely yours, John Edgar Hoover Director NOTE: Security Division, Espionage Unit, advised. "Flying Saucer" data is being referred to the Air Force. NJC:ok [Stamps and notes: RECEIVED READING ROOM FBI U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE APR 11 7 [illegible] PM 1950; 27 Apr 27 1950; other partly legible stamps and handwritten initials; routing list at left margin: Tolson, Ladd, Clegg, Glavin, Nichols, Rosen, Tracy, Harbo, Mohr, Tele. Room, Nease, Gandy] [PAGE 110] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [Mirrored show-through of the letter of April 11, 1950 on the reverse; stamps: RECEIVED-MAIL ROOM FBI U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE APR 12 11 40 AM '50; RECEIVED INTERNAL SECURITY SN FBI U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE APR 26 4 43 PM '50] [PAGE 111] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : MR. A. H. BELMONT DATE: April 8, 1950 FROM : W. T. BROOKING SUBJECT: FLYING SAUCER COMPLAINT ELMIRA, NEW YORK PD INFORMANT Reference teletype dated April 8, 1950, from the Buffalo Office advising that information had been received from the Elmira Police Department regarding a flying saucer and advising that press inquiries are being answered by the Buffalo Office. Mr. V. P. Keay was contacted and he advised that the Duty Officer at the Office of Special Investigations, Inspector General, Air Force, should be contacted and furnished the information regarding the flying saucer. Captain Ralph C. Williams, Air Force, Duty Officer, was telephonically contacted and furnished the information regarding the flying saucer. SA J. J. McGuire was contacted and advised of the teletype and that a statement was contained therein that press inquiries had been received and were being answered. McGuire instructed that the Buffalo Office be telephonically contacted and advised that they should furnish the information regarding the flying saucer to the Air Force Office in that area and that any press inquiries regarding the flying saucer should be referred to the Air Force in that area. SA Robert Cryan of the Buffalo Office was telephonically contacted and advised of the above instructions. WTB:hke [Stamps and notes: RECORDED - 53; 62-83894-222; APR 19 1950; EX-115; 50 APR 25 1950; handwritten initials and notes; routing list at right margin: Tolson, Ladd, Clegg, Glavin, Nichols, Rosen, Tracy, Harbo, Mohr, Tele. Room, Nease, Gandy] [PAGE 112] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [Mirrored show-through of the Office Memorandum of April 8, 1950 on the reverse; stamps: RECEIVED-LADD FBI U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE APR 10 12 35 PM '50; REC'D BELMONT F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE APR 10 2 25 PM '50; CORRELATION-LIAISON F.B.I. U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE APR 10 2 06 PM '50; RECEIVED MR. JONES FBI U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE APR 25 10 43 AM '50] [PAGE 113] [Handwritten at top left: memo by Brooking 4/8/50] FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION APR - 8 1950 TELETYPE [Routing box: Mr. Tolson, Mr. Ladd, Mr. Clegg, Mr. Glavin, Mr. Nichols, Mr. Rosen, Mr. Tracy, Mr. Harbo, Mr. Belmont, Mr. Mohr, Tele. Room, Mr. Nease, Miss Gandy; LTM] FBI, BUFFALO 4-8-50 12-52 PM DIRECTOR, FBI URGENT FLYING SAUCER COMPLAINT. INFORMATION RECEIVED FROM ELMIRA PD. THAT FLYING SAUCER HAD LANDED NEAR ELMIRA, NY AIRPORT. RESIDENT AGENT AT ELMIRA ADVISES "FLYING SAUCER" WAS CORRUGATED CARDBOARD BOX, FORTY INS. IN DIAMETER, ONE FOOT THICK AT CENTER. ENTIRE BOX PAINTED ALUMINUM. CROSLEY RADIO TUBE ATTACHED TO CENTER OF BOX WITH LOOSE WIRES HANGING FROM EACH SIDE OF TUBE, TRUCKER-S RED FLARE CONNECTED TO BOTTOM OF BOX, WHICH FLARE HAD SCORCHED GRASS AREA BENEATH BOX. NO WITNESSES AS TO ACTUAL FLIGHT AND BOX IS DESCRIBED AS TOO FRAGILE TO WITHSTAND FLIGHT. BUREAU BEING ADVISED AS PRESS INQUIRIES HAVE BEEN RECEIVED AND ARE BEING ANSWERED ACCORDING TO THE ABOVE FACTS. MAYNOR RECORDED - 6 62-83894-223 APR 19 1950 37 CORRECTION FIFTH LINE FORTH WORD SHOULD BE "ATTACHED" S 12-55 PM OK FBI WA LIR V [Handwritten: cc Mr. Belmont; 5-EHM; initials; stamp: 65 APR 26 1950] [PAGE 114] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [Mirrored show-through of the Buffalo teletype of April 8, 1950 on the reverse; stamps: RECEIVED TELETYPE UNIT APR 8 12 56 PM '50 U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE; RECEIVED-LADD FBI APR 10 8 57 AM '50; REC'D BELMONT F.B.I. APR 10 12 23 PM '50; RECEIVED-DIRECTOR FBI APR 10 4 50 PM '50; APR 10 1 19 PM '50; RECEIVED-NICHOLS FBI APR 13 1 42 PM '50] [PAGE 115] [Handwritten at top: Keay; Capt. R. C. Wms Airforce advised; SA Robt Cryan Buffalo advised to refer press to airforce per instructions McGuire; WTB] FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION APR - 8 1950 TELETYPE [Routing box: Mr. Tolson, Mr. Ladd, Mr. Clegg, Mr. Glavin, Mr. Nichols, Mr. Rosen, Mr. Tracy, Mr. Harbo, Mr. Belmont, Mr. Mohr, Tele. Room, Mr. Nease, Miss Gandy; LTM] FBI, BUFFALO 4-8-50 12-52 PM DIRECTOR, FBI URGENT FLYING SAUCER COMPLAINT. INFORMATION RECEIVED FROM ELMIRA PD. THAT FLYING SAUCER HAD LANDED NEAR ELMIRA, NY AIRPORT. RESIDENT AGENT AT ELMIRA ADVISES "FLYING SAUCER" WAS CORRUGATED CARDBOARD BOX, FORTY INS. IN DIAMETER, ONE FOOT THICK AT CENTER. ENTIRE BOX PAINTED ALUMINUM. CROSLEY RADIO TUBE ATTACHED TO CENTER OF BOX WITH LOOSE WIRES HANGING FROM EACH SIDE OF TUBE, TRUCKER-S RED FLARE CONNECTED TO BOTTOM OF BOX, WHICH FLARE HAD SCORCHED GRASS AREA BENEATH BOX. NO WITNESSES AS TO ACTUAL FLIGHT AND BOX IS DESCRIBED AS TOO FRAGILE TO WITHSTAND FLIGHT. BUREAU BEING ADVISED AS PRESS INQUIRIES HAVE BEEN RECEIVED AND ARE BEING ANSWERED ACCORDING TO THE ABOVE FACTS. MAYNOR CORRECTION FIFTH LINE FORTH WORD SHOULD BE "ATTACHED" ORIGINAL--DIRECTOR S 12-55 PM OK FBI WA LIR V [Handwritten: memo from Mr. Brooking to Mr. Belmont 4/8/50 WTB; initials] [PAGE 116] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [Faint show-through of the teletype on the reverse; stamps: RECEIVED TELETYPE UNIT APR 8 12 56 PM '50 F.B.I. DEPT OF JUSTICE; REC'D BELMONT F.B.I. DEPT OF JUSTICE APR 8 1 28 PM '50] [PAGE 117] April 11, 1950 Secretary of the Air Force National Defense Building The Pentagon Washington 25, D. C. [Handwritten: Flying Saucers] Miss Laura McClaskey 201 North First Street Geneva, Illinois Enclosed is a copy of a communication dated April 4, 1950, from the captioned individual, which is furnished to you for any action deemed appropriate. Enclosure NJC:ok [Stamps and notes: RECORDED - 99; INDEXED - 99; 62-83894-224; APR 13 1950; EX-136; MAILED 17 APR 12 1950 COMM - FBI; RECEIVED READING ROOM FBI U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE APR 11 7 19 PM '50; 58 MAY 9 1950; handwritten initials; routing list at left margin: Tolson, Ladd, Clegg, Glavin, Nichols, Rosen, Tracy, Harbo, Mohr, Tele. Room, Nease, Gandy] [PAGE 118] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [Mirrored show-through of the letter of April 11, 1950 on the reverse; stamps: RECEIVED-MAIL ROOM FBI U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE APR 12 11 40 AM '50; MAILED APR 12 1950; APR 13 1950; RECORDED - 99; INDEXED - 99; EX-136; 58 MAY 9 1950] [PAGE 119] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : Director, FBI DATE: 4/18/50 FROM : SAC, Phoenix SUBJECT: WILLIAM ALBERT RHODES INFORMATION CONCERNING FLYING DISCS Rebulet 6/30/49. [handwritten: 62-83894-183] On 4/17/50 Mr. RHODES advised he had been contacted by True Magazine and would like to secure the photographs which he had made available to the Air Force Intelligence. He was referred to OSI, Fourth Air Force Base, San Francisco, California, since the photographs desired were made available by him to a representative of A-2 of the Fourth Air Force on 8/30/47. WAM-kb 62-213 [Stamps and notes: RECORDED - 49; INDEXED - 49; 62-83894-225; APR 24 1950; 5 MAY 9 1950; handwritten initials] [PAGE 120] Yuba City, California 4-8-1950 F. B. I. P. O. Building Niagara Sq. Buffalo N. Y. Gentlemen:- Here is a sketch of a "flying saucer," as was given to me by Herman Ubalsky a free hand drawing by me after going over Ubalskys drawings I was very interested in same as to what made it "Tick." and I will give you the sketches by me as I have a pretty good memory on what I see. Ubalsky said these "saucers" can attain tremendous speeds and says when one is launched near Leningrad it is but 3 hrs if not in to much of a hurry to New York, Washington, Boston, Albany and a lot of other city's on the Atlantic coast. I am at Redwood Valley Jc. now in Calif on 101 highway 9 mi. north of Ukiah. Will go back to Yuba City and Marysville and Stockton next week after Easter. I understand these "saucers" do not need much [Handwritten notes and stamps: "Flying Saucers"; RECORDED - 25; INDEXED - 25; 62-83894-226; APR 22 1950; "ack 4-14-50"; 4 APR 4 1950; initials] [PAGE 121] power to run them and Ubalsky says they can go over 5,000 mi per hr. and go as high as two hundred thousand feet and more. Well give these sketches to our army chiefs of staff and they can soon tell what is what about I think Ubalsky lied some but it looks kinda good and that Russia has a lot of them [Diagram: hand-drawn sketch of a circular saucer with internal mechanism; legible labels: "weights revolving inside saucer" (twice); "slides horizontal to keep weights centered as they revolve" (twice); "center stanchion of saucer"; "collar" (twice); "spreaders to hold cables apart" (twice); "engines to spin weights"; other labels partly illegible] [Stamp: RECEIVED MR JONES FBI U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE APR 10 3 [illegible] PM '50; handwritten page number 2 at top and initials at lower left] [PAGE 122] [Diagram: hand-drawn pencil sketch of cable, sheave and weight arrangement; labels: "weight revolves"; "double cable sheave" (twice); "sheave plate holding sheave & cables also revolves"; "weight revolves"; "this sheave revolves"; "ball bearing swivel & bolt"; "this plate revolves"; "this plate doesnt revolve"; "sheave double acts also as spacer or spreader"; "stanchion in saucer"; "sheave double"; "keeper across sheave to hold cable on as it revolves"; "cable lace up to weights" (twice); "cable anchor 2"; "cross bar"; numbered points 1-5] this shows lace of cable to weights and sheaves. there are two of these set ups. one on each side this shows detail of one the other one is left out it would be at 3 the next sketch will show what makes it revolve that swivel plate is a cog wheel at 4. The sheave plate at 5 is made double and a bearing is between the two plates so it can move (over) [Handwritten at bottom: initials and "ack 4-14-50"] [PAGE 123] [Handwritten page number: 2] up and down a mite as the weights revolve the bearing moves lengthwise as well as revolves [Diagram: hand-drawn pencil sketches of a bearing, shaft and shaft support, and of cog wheels, cable and engine shaft; labels: "bearing"; "shaft"; "shaft support"; "cable" (twice); "engine shaft"; numbered points 1-4] one and one cog wheels mate there is a sliding Key and way in shaft at 2 and the cog wheel one on engine shaft turns the shaft 3 causing the weights to revolve. the cog wheels 4 & 4 drive swivel plate 4 & 4 and shaft 3 run evenly, i.e. both the same R.P.M. This is the mechanism of the thing as near as I can remember it from the drawings. [Stamp partly over text: RECEIVED MR JONES FBI U.S. DEPT OF JUSTICE APR 10 3 [illegible] PM '50; handwritten initials at lower left] [PAGE 124] thro the Buffalo office. The story is to [illegible] rewrite it down to-day I feel jittery about this fellow Ubalsky as I think he is a very bad egg and etc. He was friendly to me and told me to do the best I could and when I get it done to let them know and my price will be paid from to. This keeps me on a footing with them and I stall them off all the time. Well this is the saucer as I have it for you. Yours Truly Lewis A Ward 336 Bird st Yuba City Calif. [PAGE 125] I do not know how the rudders go on he said they were manual control, Hydraulic control and electronic control as they pulled hard at high speed. The jet is fed by pellets carefully proportioned to the charge in the jet chamber and are fed to it fast by gadgets operated by electronics so as they go fast and accurate. I gave the idea that is all I cannot draw the gadgets as I do not know how. But I saw in the drawings electric control on them. He says they can light on a pond and take off on a pond on even flat land he said they can light and take off if they have to but its damn rough going. I wonder if thats "horse feathers". well that is all I know about it the rest you will have to dope out. I have looked my copies over after I left him and while the drawings were fresh in my head I can see nothing further to try and tell you about [Text present — not reproduced: final paragraph in which the writer makes personal claims about his own work and about foreign interest in it] [PAGE 126] [Handwritten page number: 4] The saucers are launched by a catapult... [Diagram: two hand-drawn pencil sketches of cable, bolt and ball-bearing swivel assemblies; labels: "bolt" (twice); "cable" (twice); "slide guide"; "ball bearing for swivel"; "ball bearing on bolt"] These saucers are 30 feet and more in dia and not very heavy Ubalsky says. The plane division of our army can soon figure this out I cannot as it is out of my line but I seen the mechanics of it I did not see any propellor on it in the drawings I saw they use a jet on it to so Ubalsky says. They use pellets in a case in the jet and it fires like a cannon and the recoil sends the saucer very fast [PAGE 127] 3 This uses centrifugal force and is cable connected to weights that revolve at right angles to the pull on the "saucer" I presume engines are synchronized as to speed the wt of the revolving balls gives the pull to pull "saucer" and the whole mechanism is inside of the "saucer" there are a bottom and top saucer He said there is an up and down rudder and a sideways rudder but very small and they are handeled by electronic gadgets at high speed The saucers are made of magnesium and reinforced for strength they look something like this the saucers it looks are air tight [Diagram: pencil sketch of a flattened saucer-shaped craft in side view] these drawings are not much - but there is not much to them as I cannot give dimensions our "techs" will have to figure that out as I am dam lucky to find this out and be all together. [PAGE 128] 6 Ubalsky says at high altitudes [illegible] [illegible] will speed up to - well he dont know but it is a terrific speed he said he thought 10 thousand mi. per. hr. Now this does not look like a lot of horse feathers so I am putting it into your hands as if it is a trap for me its only you can get me in dutch and I know you wont do that - but get it into our army chiefs hands for I do not know if this will fly or not - but on the other hand it may be all O.K. so what. Ubalsky is 5 feet 8" tall wt. 175 square faced quite a large mouth gold teeth left side upper light hair sort of red cheeked big arms all around stout square hands short fat fingers and talks good english - blue eyes. has friends in Buffalo Iowa, is a Russian Pole and was in world two in Europe. He has gone to Ketchican he knows some folks there he said he got off a sub-marine and gave a fisherman a sum of money to get him ashore, near Eureka and he said he was drifting inshore in a drift boat made of rubber when picked up - he said there was nothing to it getting ashore. When you give this to the army chiefs keep my name out of it - I want to get a lot more information to give to you [PAGE 129] The jet [Diagram: hand-drawn sketch of a horizontal tube-shaped jet attached to a vertical cylinder at its right end, with two electronic valves along the tube and a pellet feed above; handwritten labels:] plug for end of muzzel electronic plug in end of muzzel air in this compartment 300 lbs p.s.i. electronic valve vacuum or atmosic press. in this compartment charge up to 5 thousand to thirty thousand p.s.i. 4 times comp. = explosion pellets to air stanchion in center of saucer stanchion in center of saucers. P.S. looks as tho jet can swing around to any angle electronic valve This jet is loaded with capsules by air door traps and the capsule containing say the gasolene is put into a pressure of say 10,000 lbs p.s.i. the capsule is busted and out comes the gasolene in that high press. of air or something else to take place of air two electrodes set it off the capsule falls between the ends of the electrodes every time the charge leaving by the opening of the electronic valves goes thro the vacuum chamber and hits the air press. chamber the air in chamber is the bullett at just the right split sec. the elect muzzel plug controlled by electronics is opened and the recoil when all is timed O.K sends saucer at good speed. [PAGE 130] so I guess this is all for now and will write you again as soon as I learn anything worth while Yours Truly Lewis A Ward 336. Bird st. Yuba City Calif. P.S. I have been in contact with the Buffalo Office and they can tell you more - so I decided to send this direct to you to the head office so excuse the office with Buffalo on this letter as I deem it important enough to go direct to you If you write me do not forget to use perfectly plain envelope - no markings on it - just in case. I am putting this in your hands because I do not know who is a Comunie in Washington and who is not I leave that to you and I know you will not give me away. [PAGE 131] 7 I am nervous over this and if this bring the dope he gave me - well if it ever got out I am a dead duck sure as hell but the U.S.A. first and myself well I dont amount to much any how. Ubalsky said another party will contact me if he don't in due time not any particular date. He said Russia is very well prepared for war and will make dam short work of Europe and England, Spain, France & India, Japan & Philippines, and he said it will be soon and when Russia starts it will make Hitlers blitz look like a lot of school kids he says he thinks Russia has 350 atomic bombs. If you want any plainer drawings of them saucers - yes I can draw plainer lines of course but the Air tech. engineers will dope it out - you see I am no good on electronic gadgets as required on this saucer but that is a good description of the drawings I saw. In case you write to me put same in plain envelope and address it to me at 336. Bird. st. Yuba City. Calif. The jet I pictured is just the same as was on the drawings Ubalsky had. I would like to hear about this as this will give me an idea if this Ubalsky is trying to give me horse feathers - I think tho it is not any baloney - but maybe it is. [PAGE 132] April 17, 1950 Lewis A. Mr. L. A. Ward 336 Bird Street Yuba City, California INDEXED - 74 RECORDED - 74 62-83894-226 Dear Mr. Ward: EX. 62 FLYING SAUCERS Your letters of April 8, 1950, have been received and I want to thank you for writing to me as you did. It is suggested, however, that you may wish to communicate directly with the Secretary of the Army, National Defense Building, Washington, D. C., with reference to the matter you mentioned. Sincerely yours, John Edgar Hoover Director MAILED 4 APR 18 1950 COMM - FBI NOTE: Correspondent advises he has been in contact with the Buffalo Office and states that he has deemed the information he has furnished with reference to flying saucers important enough to write direct to the Bureau. He advises that he desires us to use a plain envelope in connection with our reply and further stipulates that he does not desire that his name be furnished to "Army Chiefs." He has stated that he "wants to get a lot more information to give to you." NJC:mcq:bjc Tolson Ladd Clegg Glavin Nichols Rosen Tracy Harbo Mohr Tele. Room Nease Gandy [PAGE 133] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [Diagram: reverse side of the preceding letter showing mirrored see-through text; not legible] INDEXED - 74 RECORDED - 74 EX - 65 U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE F B I RECEIVED - ROOM [PAGE 134] Yuba City Apr 8 - 1950 Federal Bureau Investigation Washington D.C. Flying Saucers Gentlemen:- I saw Ubalsky last Saturday in Willits, before he got on the bus to go to Eureka. I went to Willits for the mail for my son-in-law. In our talk he said well if there is anything in the drawings of the mechanism of the saucer that will help you along on your cosmic ray engine use it - here are the drawings look them over and if you can find anything to help you O.K. These drawings are made in Russian I think so I could not read the instructions or lettering but I did see and he explained to me the centrifugal RECORDED - 101 62-83894-227 force that pulls the saucer and its inside the saucer COPIES DESTROYED 270 NOV 18 1964 APR 27 1950 I seen the rudders of it and just how they are rml ads 4-25-50 ndc. [PAGE 135] attached I really do not know our engineers can dope that out so I am sending a set of drawings free hand and these are in detail just exactly like the Russian drawings - so these look a lot better than those I mailed out Sat. and Ubalsky said after I studied them for quite a spell - that he was trusting me - and should I open my mouth or tell any one of the mechanics I saw in them saucers I would be taken care of an dam fast - so thats that. When you get these drawings go to the military officials and don't get me in dutch I know you will not for my life is the price I would pay - sooner or later if the commie agents figured I had give this away and do not have any F.B.I. men tagging me that would look suspicions to the commie agents. I am taking a hell of a chance and I want some more information get from them and I will pass it along to you as fast as I get it [PAGE 136] 4 the drawings show the saucer put together like this - straight piece circular between top and bottom of saucer - filled with ball bearings in a groove top and bottom the center piece turns but top or bottom does not turn - Top and bottom obey the rudder the up and down rudder and the sideways rudder. 1. 1. 1. is for the jets to fire out side. from point 2 to point 2 on a 30 foot diameter saucer is 10 feet making an overall diameter of 50 feet [Diagram: pencil sketch of a saucer in cross-section with a central cylindrical piece, labels: 30', 10', 10', 2 (points), 1 (jets), 3 (dotted floor line)] drawing 4. of course it does not look like this drawing for curves and etc - you know what I mean. All the floor in the saucer is fastened to the center piece as dotted line shows at 3. 3. I guess that is so saucer can be manuevered or something my wife or sow - or son in law - or daughter know nothing about this - and do not tell them - or there would be hell to pay. I think the drawings are plain enough this time. [PAGE 137] 3 where the jets are fastened in I could not figure it out so will leave that to you the drawings I sent in sat. with the jet are O.K. That is the jet. - but some of the centrifugal power mechanism is wrong in design. Ubalsky had two or three sets of drawings and this copy I am sending you are plain and I believe better drawings. In drawing #2 where turnbuckels are shown in cables - they are shortened or lengthened to suit - like this as the weights fly or pull outward - the weights must pull the cable straight out or up and down - see no beight in the line holding the weights - line must be straight when engines are in motion and up to speed allowing every thing else is in proportion O.K [Diagram: pencil sketch of a central axle with two cable-held weights above and below and a dashed oval outline] drawing 3. [PAGE 138] 6 P.S. I think I can get some information on the Russian submarine and what makes them go so deep down. Ubalsky says he is sure our navy cannot locate them as they got dummies they put out some how in the water and can fool any one with the dummies. He said they were making a long range rocket and putting this engine in it but that the saucer goes as fast as the rocket will. I was going to patent this engine even if I did get it from Ubalsky - I placed my self in great danger to get it - and am in danger yet if anyone gives me away. But give it to the U.S.A. quick and the U.S.A. can give me something for my efforts. I do not think the U.S.A. will turn me down - do you? and maybe I will ask a favor of the F.B.I. - who knows. [PAGE 139] 5 I do not believe this is "horse feathers" so much as I did in the drawings sent you sat. Ubalsky said on the snow with runners on this saucer like a sled centrifugal force will pull here at a hell of speed. The jets are used on take off there is wheels on the saucer there are 3 wheels they are pulled up into places in the saucer from the inside and some how or other a piece covers the spot on the outside the drawing shows that but I cannot figure out how its done from the inside of the saucer. Now I believe this is all the dope I can give you on them. Ubalsky said the big saucers are oblong fore and aft but round in the middle - just as the round saucers are something like this. you know what I mean only I cannot draw it. [Diagram: pencil sketch of a saucer with a cylindrical central section, small round openings and wheel/landing-gear marks] I will mail this from Ukiah monday 10th 1950 and trust you will put this into the right hands Yours Truly Lewis A Ward 336 Bird st Yuba City Calif. [PAGE 140] Drawing #1 [Diagram: pencil mechanical drawing of two engine/drive assemblies with shafts, gear wheels, pulleys and cables on a frame] This drawing has no equalizers on I left them off at /+/ so as it will look plain The equalizers are shown in drawing #2 [PAGE 141] [Diagram: pencil mechanical drawing of a shaft with weights, key ways, thrust spring and ball bearings, turnbuckles and cables; handwritten labels:] cable anchor Turnbuckle cable anchor cable revolves with shaft on sliding keys & ways Key ways & Keys Key ways & Keys. does not revolve with shaft. does not revolve with shaft does not revolve with shaft floor thrust spring ball bearings This thrust box cannot revolve it is shown bolted to floor but can slide back and ahead with thrust. cable anchor in Turnbuckel cable anchor cable Turnbuckle floor drawing # 7 L a Ward [PAGE 142] Drawing 2 [Diagram: pencil plan-view drawing of a circular saucer interior with two engine/shaft assemblies, a central stanchion, generator, cables and an outer rudder frame; handwritten labels (partly rotated):] just a rest bearing for shaft the shaft does not turn in this bearing - just slides a little Rudder equalizers rest bearing Rudder horizontal vertical Rudder thrust bearing gear to engine turnbuckel on cable ball bearing cable weights men curry filled this slides up and down shaft on sliding keys in ways and revolves with shaft this does not revolve with shaft thrust plate does not revolve with shaft collar revolves with shaft spring ball bearing bearing engines cable generator D.C. electric engines center stanchion Ball bearings to turn on stanchion spring ball bearing equalizers just a rest bearing for shaft shaft does not turn in this bearing just slides a little. Rudder thrust bearing gear to engine ball bearing turnbuckels. cable bearing Drawing 9 [PAGE 143] [Diagram: envelope front with postage stamps (3 cents, 10 cents x3, 25 cents) and postmarks] From L. A. Ward 336 Bird st. Yuba City Calif NC UNITED STATES POSTAGE 3 CENTS VIA AIR MAIL Federal Bureau Investigation Washington D.C. REGISTERED 4246 Special Delivery Special Delivery over H 12 .3 [PAGE 144] [Diagram: envelope reverse with four circular postmarks] UKIAH CALIF APR 10 1950 WASHINGTON, D.C. APR 11 1950 REG. DIV. WASHINGTON, D.C. APR 11 3 PM 1950 SPECL DEL [illegible] APR 10 1950 [PAGE 145] SAC, San Francisco April 25, 1950 Director, FBI RECORDED - 101 INDEXED - 101 LEWIS A. WARD 336 Bird Street Yuba City, California RESEARCH 62-83894-227 L. A. Ward By letter dated April 9, 1950, captioned individual wrote to the Bureau with reference to matters pertaining to "flying saucers." A photostatic copy of his communication is enclosed. It is noted that correspondent has referred to his contact with an individual named Ubalsky and reference is made to "Russian drawings." It is desired that you have an agent of your office contact correspondent to secure any data which may be of interest to the Bureau. It should be kept in mind, however, that the FBI is not conducting an investigation with reference to "flying saucer matters" and the correspondent should be advised that he may wish to communicate with the Secretary of the Air Force, National Defense Building, The Pentagon, Washington 25, D. C. Please furnish me all information concerning the handling of this matter. Enclosure NOTE: Correspondent advised that he has previously furnished data to the Bureau. It is believed this communication was referred to the Army Air Force. He has advised in his letter of April 9, that some drawings pertaining to flying saucers were executed in what he believes to be the Russian language, and it is deemed advisable to have him personally contacted to discourage further correspondence and to obtain any information he might have in his possession pertaining to matters which may be in the scope of our activities. NJC:lch:mms Follow-up made 5-24-50 MAY 4 1950 MAILED 10 APR 25 1950 COMM - FBI [PAGE 146] Received from ONI through Liaison Channels Date 4/24/50 CONFIDENTIAL ISSUED BY THE [illegible] DIVISION OFFICE OF CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS NAVY DEPARTMENT INTELLIGENCE REPORT (Reference to this report must specify Serial No., Place and Date.) Files in Flying Discs Serial No. 4-50 at Kodiak, Alaska Date 10 Feb. 1950 From DIC/17ND (See note 2) Reference Source OFFICIAL - U. S. Navy Evaluation A-2 Rel. AB/EN 3-10; SER. 4328616-11 18-42 Subject Unidentified Phenomena in vicinity of Kodiak Alaska BRIEF: (Here enter careful summary of report, containing substance succinctly stated; include important facts, names, places, dates, etc.) BRIEF: A report of sightings of unidentified airborne objects, by various naval personnel, on 22 and 23 January 1950, in the vicinity of Kodiak, Alaska is contained herein. NOTE: (1) This information is as of 23 January 1950 (2) IFI makes no provision for reporting phenomena of this nature ENCL: (1) Completed CINCAL form containing information given by Lt. Smith, USN (2) Completed CINCAL form containing information given by MORGAN, TMC and CARVER, EMC, USN (3) Sketch of radar interference characteristics experienced by Lt. Smith, USN (4) Completed CINCAL form containing information given by Lt. Barco, USN (5) Track chart of aircraft in which Lt. Barco, USN embarked 23 January 1950 (6) Statements of MORGAN TM1 and CARVER EMC, USN (7) Statement of Lt. Barco (8) Winds aloft and balloon release data 1. Enclosures (1), (2), and (4) are completed forms suggested by Commander in Chief, Alaskan Command, Fort Richardson, Alaska for the reporting of sighting of unidentified objects. Enclosure (3) is a sketch of radar interference experienced in aircraft piloted by Lt. Smith. Enclosure (5) is a track chart of aircraft in which Lt. Barco was embarked when he sighted unidentified object. Enclosure (6) contains statements by MORGAN, TMC, USN and CARVER, TM1, USN relative to their sighting. Enclosure (7) is a copy of Lt. Barco's statement and enclosure (8) is a summary of weather and balloon release information. CONFIDENTIAL Declassified by NIS letter 9/20/77 concerning request of BRUCE S. MACCABEE TD2 7306 10/3/77 THIS REPORT CONSISTS OF THREE PAGES Distribution By Originator: ONI, CINCAL, COMFAIR WAC, CINCPACFLT CLASSIFICATION CONFIDENTIAL Routing space below for use in O. N. I. N 42227 INDEXED - 74 CIA (8) Op32V(LAB) ST. D(5) 322F2(2)OR (3)5 DI USAF (5) 3212(2) FBI (2) S22Y(4) NOT RECORDED 14 MAY 9 1950 62-83894-228 Encls.(1) .(8) Op522F2. "Reproduction of this material in any form is not authorized except by specific approval of the Secretary of the Navy." COPIES DESTROYED 270 NOV 23 1964 This document contains information affecting the national defense of the United States within the meaning of the [illegible] 18 U.S.C., Sections 793 and [illegible] [PAGE 147] CONFIDENTIAL DIC/17ND No. 4-50 10 February 1950 Subj: Unidentified Phenomena 2. A summary of the information contained in enclosure (1) through (8) follows: a. At 220240W January LT Smith, USN, patrol plane commander of P2V3 No. 4 of Patrol Squadron One reported an unidentified radar contact 20 miles north of the Naval Air Station, Kodiak, Alaska. When this contact was first made, LT Smith was flying the Kodiak Security Patrol. At 024[illegible], 8 minutes later a radar contact was made on an object 10 miles southeast of NAS Kodiak. Lt. Smith checked with the control tower to determine known traffic in the area, and was informed that there was none. During this period the radar operator, GASKEY ALC, USN reported inter- mittent radar interference of a type he had never before experienced. (See enclosure (3)). Contact was lost at this time, but intermittent interference continued. b. At some time between 0200 and 0300W, MORGAN EMC, USN was standing watch on board the USS TILLAMOCK (ATA 192), which was anchored in the vicinity of buoy 19 in the main ship channel. Morgan reported sighting a "very fast moving red glow light, which appeared to be of exhaust nature, seemed to come from the southeast, moved clockwise in a large circle in the direction of, and around Kodiak and returned out in a generally southeast direction." Morgan called Carver TM1, USN, also on watch, to observe this object, and they both witnessed the return flight. The object was in sight for an estimated 30 seconds. No odor or sound was detected, and the object was described to have the appearance of a ball of fire about one foot in diameter. c. At 220440W, conducting routine Kodiak security patrol, Lt Smith reported a visual sighting of an unidentified airborne object at a radar range of 5 miles, on the starboard bow. This object showed in- dications of great speed on the radar scope. (The trailing edge of the blip gave a tail like indication.) At this time Lt Smith called the attention of all crew members to the object. An estimated ten seconds later, the object was directly overhead, indicating a speed of about 1800 MPH. Smith climbed to intercept, and attempted to circle to keep the object in sight. He was unable to do this, as the object was too highly maneuverable. Subsequently the object appeared to be opening the range, and Smith attempted to close the range. The object was observed to open out somewhat, then to turn to the left and come up on Smith's quarter. Smith considered this to be a highly threatening gesture, and turned out all lights in the aircraft. Four minutes later the object disappeared from view in a southeasterly direction. d. At 230435W, the day following Lt Smith's sighting, Lt Causer and Lt Barco of Patrol Squadron One were conducting the Kodiak Security Patrol, and sighted an unidentified object. At the time of the sight- ing the aircraft in which these officers were embarked was approximately 62 miles south of NAS Kodiak. The object appeared to be on an ascending westerly course, and was in sight for ten minutes. During this period the object was observed by Lieutenants Causer and Barco, and PAULSON, AD1, plane captain. At no time was radar contact made on the object. Lt Causer was unable to close the object at 170 knots. 2 CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 148] CONFIDENTIAL DIC/17ND Serial No. 4-50 10 February 1950 Subj: Unidentified Phenomena (e) The objects sighted have been described as follows: (1) To Lt Smith and crew it appeared as two orange lights rotating about a common center, "like two jet aircraft making slow rolls in tight formation". It had a wide speed range. (2) To Morgan, EMC, and Carver, TM1 it appeared as a reddish orange ball of fire about one foot in diameter, travelling at a high rate of speed. (3) To Lt Causer, Lt Barco, and Paulson, AD1, it appeared to be a pulsating orange yellow projectile shaped flame, with regular period of pulsation on 3 to 5 seconds, off 3 to 5 seconds. Later, as the object increased the range the pulsations appeared to increase to on 7 to 8 seconds and off 7 to 8 seconds. 3. A check with the Navy Weather Central, Kodiak, Alaska revealed that balloons were released at the following times: 22 January - 0445W and 2200W (approximately) 23 January - 0400W (approximately) 4. On 23 January winds aloft at 1000 feet were reported at 0400W as from 310° T at 36 knots, and at 2000 feet from 240° T at 37 knots, while the object was reported to be on an ascending - westerly course. COMMENT: In view of the fact that no weather balloons were known to have been released within a reasonable time before the sightings, it appears that the object or objects were not balloons. If not balloons the objects must be regarded as phenomena (possibly meteorites), the exact nature of which could not be determined by this office. 3 CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 149] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : Director, FBI DATE: May 31, 1950 FROM : SAC, New Orleans SUBJECT: MICHAEL HALFERY FLYING DISCS On May 24, 1950, this office received from Major MERLE L. MENNIE, Intelligence and Security Officer, New Orleans Port of Embarka- tion, a report dealing with MICHAEL HALFERY of 2453 Urquhart Street, New Orleans, Louisiana. A copy of this report is at- tached to this letter for your information. The report states that HALFERY sold for $1.00 two photographs to one JOHN R. ESPOSITO, 615 Piety Street, New Orleans, who in turn gave the photographs to an agent of CID, New Orleans Port of Embarkation. These photographs were of flying saucers and a man from Mars in the custody of two U. S. Army Military Policemen. A copy of one negative and a copy of one positive of these photo- graphs are also enclosed herewith. Enclosures (3) DHB:mas 66-1199 Matter discussed with Col. Bordon, OSI. He advised that hundreds of such matters are received by A.F. They do not consider them worthy of investigation. 6-21-50 amb. ENCLOSURE ATTACHED EX-32 RECORDED - 5 62-83894-229 JUN 8 1950 INDEXED - 5 EX-32 JUN 22 1950 361 [PAGE 150] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [Diagram: back of a manila envelope] 62-83894-229 [PAGE 151] Case # T4-15-0; 117th CIC Det FO, NOPE, New Orleans, La. Positive Photostat copy of document turned in to NOPE CID (Agent John F. Quinn) by John R. Esposito, 615 Piety Street, New Orleans, La., who reported purchase of document from Michael HALFERY, 2453 Urquhart St, New Orleans, La. Date 22 May 1950 Received from Agent John F. Quinn, NOPE CID, by Louis Robillia, Jr., Criminal Investigator, Intelligence & Security Branch, NOPE; Date 23 May 1950 Louis Robillia 62-83894-229 [PAGE 152] ENCLOSURES TO THE BUREAU Copy of report by Intelligence Branch, New Orleans Port of Embarkation, re MICHAEL HALFERY. One negative copy and one positive copy of photographs of flying saucer and man from Mars in custody of two MP's. N.O. File 66-1199 [PAGE 153] CONFIDENTIAL SUMMARY OF INFORMATION DATE 23 May 1950 PREPARING OFFICE Intelligence Branch, New Orleans Port of Embarkation, New Orleans 12, La. SUBJECT HALFERY, Michael 2453 Urquhart Street New Orleans, La. CASE NO. T4-15-0 CODE FOR USE IN INDIVIDUAL PARAGRAPH EVALUATION OF SOURCE: COMPLETELY RELIABLE A; USUALLY RELIABLE B; FAIRLY RELIABLE C; NOT USUALLY RELIABLE D; UNRELIABLE E; RELIABILITY UNKNOWN F OF INFORMATION: CONFIRMED BY OTHER SOURCES 1; PROBABLY TRUE 2; POSSIBLY TRUE 3; DOUBTFULLY TRUE 4; IMPROBABLE 5; TRUTH CANNOT BE JUDGED 6 SUMMARY OF INFORMATION At about 1430 hours, 22 May 1950, the attached (See Inclosure 1) "photograph" was turned over to Agent John F. Quinn, CID, New Orleans Port of Embarkation. The individual who turned this material over to Quinn told him that he had purchased the "photograph" from one Michael HALFERY, 2453 Urquhart Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, for the sum of $1.00. He stated that he thought this material "should be placed in the hands of the Government", as it was supposed to be pictures of "flying saucers" and "a man from Mars in the United States". The "man from Mars" was pictured as being in the custody of two military policemen. (B-2) The individual turning this material over to Quinn gave his name as John R. Esposito, 615 Piety Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, and his telephone as Bywater 5190. (B-3) According to Esposito, HALFERY is alleged to have served five (5) years in the Federal penitentiary at Leavenworth, Kansas. (B-3) No interrogation of Esposito was conducted by Agent Quinn. (B-2) 1 Incl: Photo. (Original & Cy) COMMENT: A literal translation of the caption under the alleged photographs stated that a special infra-red machine was used to take these photographs because the "flying saucers" were invisible to the human eye. Also, the sound emitted by the two pictured "saucers" was of such high frequency as to be above frequencies audible to the human ear. The caption continues by stating that an accident occurred to one of the "saucers" and the individual shown in custody of United States Military Police in the right hand photograph was a "Mr. X", a member of the crew of one of these "flying saucers". The location of both photographs was stated to be Weisbaden, Germany. DECLASSIFIED Authority: NND 90986 SEARCHED INDEXED SERIALIZED FILED MAY 24 1950 FBI - NEW ORLEANS DISTRIBUTION CG, 4A (ACofS, G-2) (1) FBI, NOLa (2) (Including original) CO, 117th CIC Det (1) NIO, NOLa (1) La Mil Dist (1) CO, NOPE (1) ONI, NOLa (1) File (1) WD AGO FORM 568 1 JUN 47 U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 16-53386-1 CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 154] [Diagram: press photograph pair; left, two disc-shaped objects above a church with spires in a night view; right, two uniformed military policemen escorting a small figure in a helmet and suit] [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: German-language press caption under the photographs, credited to Translag/USA-Fotos — says an infra-red device revealed two "flying saucers" circling a church in Wiesbaden and presents "Mister X", a saucer crew member, in military police custody] [PAGE 155] [Diagram: photographic negative of the preceding press photograph pair (tonally inverted); two disc-shaped objects over a church, and two military policemen escorting a small helmeted figure] [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: German-language press caption under the photographs, credited to Translag/USA-Fotos — same caption as the positive print, about "flying saucers" over Wiesbaden and "Mister X" in military police custody] [PAGE 156] D-3 Briefing Mr. States 19 may 50 Recd from G-2 5-22-50 CWJr CONFIDENTIAL UNIDENTIFIED AERIAL PHENOMENA (Flying Saucers) Reports of strange and mysterious objects seen in the sky over most of the countries of the world during the past five years have created quite a stir in the public press. The sighting of such objects has not been confined to the last five years. History records many instances of man's inability to explain what he saw or thought he saw. The prophet Ezekiel in the 6th century BC reported "a whirl wind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire unfolding itself, and a brightness was about it." He then saw "a wheel in the middle of a wheel" and reported "when they went, they went up on their four sides and they turned not when they went". (Ezekiel 1:16) In the past, these phenomena have usually been attributed to super- natural causes, and in more recent years to natural phenomena. However, the introduction of the atomic bomb and guided missiles in World War II has so caught the public imagination with their potentialities, actual and fanciful, that we now find the phenomena variously attributed to space ships from other planets and US or Soviet experiments with new and wonderful weapons. The present flurry of flying saucers, ghost rockets, etc., began in mid-1946 in Sweden. Hundreds of people reported seeing strange objects flying over the country. Newspapers speculated that they were Soviet guided missiles being tested over the Baltic Sea, either from the former German experimental station at Peenemunde, or from Dago Island off the Estonian Coast. The fact that an experimental V-2 fired by the Germans from Peenemunde had landed in Sweden in 1944 lent credence to their speculation. The Swedish defence staff made an investigation and may have deliberately allowed the public to believe this theory for some time for political reasons. Careful investigation by the US MA and by an 1 62-83894- 52 JUN 15 1950 37 CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 157] CONFIDENTIAL independent British team, failed to uncover any evidence to support the theory of Soviet missiles. By 1947 the thing had snowballed to such an extent that the Swedish Government finally issued a report identifying most of the incidents with natural phenomena and denying that any foreign power was involved. During this period sightings were reported from the remaining Scandanavian countries and most of Western Europe. Incidents were first reported over the US in 1947 and are still con- tinuing. Much space in the press has been given to these reports and various semi-official opinions have been quoted. For example, on 16 May, Captain Eddie Rickenbacker was quoted as saying [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: press quotation of Rickenbacker — he says he is duty bound not to say what he knows, and that if the objects exist they can be assured to be American] The USAF for a long time conducted a thorough investigation of each of the hundreds of incidents involved. It found that approximately 75% of the reports could definitely be related to known causes such as meteorological balloons, aircraft, meteors and other common phenomena. A public statement was issued debunking the entire existence of flying disks or saucers. This did little to cut down the flood of reports. It only resulted in convincing a large number of people that the National Military Establishment was trying to cover up our own experiments with new weapons. Many theories have been advanced to explain these reports of aerial phenomena over the US. These include: 1. Space ships from other planets 2. Soviet guided missiles or aircraft-, probably atomic-powered. 3. US experiments with new weapons 4. Natural phenomena 5. Mass hysteria, or other psychological causes. 2 CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 158] CONFIDENTIAL While it is not possible to categorically rule out theory No. 1 it is very easy to do so on reasonable grounds. The existence of any form of life on other planets is extremely tenuous and debatable. The level of technical achievement required to launch piloted or pilotless missiles from one planet to another and return is several orders of magnitude beyond that existing on the earth today and probably would have resulted in some firm contact prior to this, either through deliberate landings or un- scheduled crashes. (Even these have been reported in the press - complete with descriptions of men only 18 inches tall! Such reports are sheer fabrication.) There is absolutely no evidence that the Soviet Union possess either guided missiles or disc shaped aircraft capable of making round trip flights to the US, and the use of atomic energy for the propulsion of any aerial vehicle is still at least several years in the future. Even if the Soviets are that far ahead of us in such a program, there is no reason to expect the airplanes would be other than of conventional design. An atomic power plant, alone, would be sufficiently radical, without also designing a com- pletely new vehicle to carry it. The US is not experimenting with any new weapon that could reasonably be mistaken by identified as a flying disc or saucer. The US is launching large numbers of meteorological and cosmic ray balloons for experimental purposes and a fair number of the reports can be definitely attributed to sightings of these objects or reflections of other shiny objects such as aircraft. The continued reporting of aerial phenomena must then be attributed to a mass hysteria caused by the present tenseness in the international situation; the public belief in the ability of science to accomplish miracles; and to statements in the press by "name" individuals hinting at 3 CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 159] CONFIDENTIAL the existence of some new weapon. Such statements, of the type attributed to Rickenbacker, often solicited in the most sensation form by news reporters in order to make a good story, make people watch the sky and any object they cannot immediately recognize is called a "flying saucer." This helps to maintain the "chain reaction" of such reports. 4 CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 160] UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES 24, CALIFORNIA Graduate Department of Journalism June 2, 1950 Mr. J. Edgar Hoover, director Federal Bureau of Investigation Pennsylvania Avenue at 9th, NW Washington, D.C. Dear Mr. Hoover, I am currently engaged in research for a graduate dissertation which will attempt to analyze the socio- logical and psychological implications of the flying saucer phenomenon. In the course of my research I am giving extensive consideration of the several magazine articles and the one book which have already been written on the subject. The book, in particular, and the magazine articles in general, hint at official restraints which have hampered the authors in their research. So far as I know none of those research projects attempted to probe as deeply into the background of the phenomena as I am, yet I have en- countered no such "official censorship" as they mention. In fact I have been surprised at the openness with which some people have replied to my queries. I believe the fact that I have encountered no restric- tions is significant when I attempt to analyze my total findings. It raises the question as to whether those previously mentioned authors aren't trying hard to sell something which really isn't there to sell. Is there any reason why the flying saucer situation should be "played down?" Is there any official attitude toward the matter? I wish to thank you in advance for your interest and help. You may be assured that I will appreciate any infor- mation you may be able to give me. Sincerely yours, DeWayne B. Johnson RECORDED - 5 62-83894-230 EX-32 JUN 13 1950 5 mml ack 6-8-50 ara [PAGE 161] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [Diagram: reverse side of the preceding letter showing mirrored see-through text; not legible] U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE F B I RECEIVED JUN 5 4 45 PM '50 MR. JONES U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE F B I RECEIVED JUN 6 9 45 AM '50 MR. JONES RECEIVED RECORDS SEC. JUN 5 3:50 PM '50 [PAGE 162] June 8, 1950 RECORDED - 5 62-83894-230 EX-32 Mr. DeWayne B. Johnson Graduate Department of Journalism University of California Los Angeles 24, California Dear Mr. Johnson: Your letter dated June 2, 1950, has been received, and I appreciate the interest which prompted your communica- tion. While I would like to be of service, this Bureau has no information available for distribution with regard to the subject of your letter, and I suggest that you may wish to direct your inquiry to the Secretary of Defense, National Defense Building, Washington, D. C. Sincerely yours, John Edgar Hoover Director ARA:mvs Tolson Ladd Clegg Glavin Nichols Rosen Tracy Harbo Mohr Tele. Room Nease Gandy 361 56 JUN 22 1950 MAILED 17 JUN 9 1950 COMM - FBI U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE F B I RECEIVED READING ROOM JUN 8 7 42 PM '50 [PAGE 163] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : Director, FBI DATE: June 15, 1950 FROM : SAC, San Francisco SUBJECT: LEWIS A. WARD 336 Bird Street Yuba City, California RESEARCH Rebulet 6-5-50. Subject was located 6-13-50 residing at 78 South Tenth Street, San Jose, California. He was interviewed by SA CHARLES J. PRELSNIK of this Office, who carefully explained the jurisdiction of the FBI to him and questioned him relative to any information he might have which would be of interest to this Bureau. Mr. WARD had nothing to add to his previous story as submitted by letter to the Bureau on 4-9-50. He was advised that any information relative to "flying saucers" did not come within the jurisdiction of this Bureau and that he could communicate such information to the Secretary of the Air Force, National Defense Building, The Pentagon, Washington 25, D. C. For the further information of the Bureau, Mr. R. E. MC CARTHY, Secretary, Local 39, International Union of Stationary Engineers, 805 East Weber Street, was contacted in an effort to locate Mr. WARD. [Text present — not reproduced: remarks by third parties and the interviewing agent about a private individual's character and mental condition] CJP:eu 94-492 RECORDED - 71 INDEXED - 71 EX-55 62-83894-231 JUN 19 1950 56 JUL 21 1950 454 [PAGE 164] Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : DIRECTOR, FBI DATE: 7/19/50 FROM : SAC, ALBUQUERQUE CONFIDENTIAL SUBJECT: SUMMARY OF AERIAL PHENOMENA IN NEW MEXICO INFORMATION CONCERNING Flying Discs DECLASSIFIED Authority: NND 90986 There is being transmitted herewith a Summary of Observations of Serial Phenomena in New Mexico from December 1948 to May 25, 1950. This recapitulation of data summarizes previous individual sights that have been reported in this area. The summary was prepared by the Inspector General's Office of the 17th District of Special Investigations, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. (S-1) The above information is being submitted for the completion of the Bureau's files. pw:ush Encls. 5/22/85 Classified by SP6 Bja/tcy Declassify on: OADR FOI/PA # 245,974 APPEAL # CIVIL ACT. # E.O. # 12356 DATE 5/22/85 INITIALS JCY S-1 = Air Force 5 ENCL. filed with original 62-83894- NOT RECORDED 53 JUL 27 1950 ORIGINAL COPY FILED IN 62-85557-217 55 JUL 21 1950 CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 165] Sanders you asked for this Recd from O.S.I. 7-14-50 CONFIDENTIAL DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES AIR FORCE WASHINGTON RGC/EJB/bls THE INSPECTOR GENERAL USAF 17TH DISTRICT OFFICE OF SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, NEW MEXICO File No: 24-8-0 5 July 1950 SUBJECT: UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT sighted on 29 June 1950 at Phoenix, Arizona SPECIAL INQUIRY TO: Director of Special Investigations Headquarters, United States Air Force Washington 25, D. C. 1. Reference is made to Spot Report TWX from this Headquarters dated 30 June 1950, making reference to an unidentified flying object sighted on 29 June 1950 at Phoenix, Arizona. 2. An interview with 1st Lt. JOHN D. FINK, AO-823052, 93rd Fighter Squadron, Kirtland AFB reveals that on 29 June 1950 at approxi- mately 1840 hours Lt. FINK sighted this object. Lt. FINK climbed to 47,000 while flying an F-86 aircraft and observed that the object was a bright balloon with instruments attached and was floating at an altitude of 50,000 feet. 3. Lt. FINK described the speed of the balloon as being very slow and further described the balloon as being an "inverted tear drop". 4. Inasmuch as the previously unidentified object has been positively identified as a balloon, further investigation will not be conducted in this incident. RICHARD G. COX MAJOR, USAF District Commander Flying Discs Filed in Flying Disc file 62-83894- NOT RECORDED 12 JUL 19 1950 63 AUG 2 1950 CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 166] Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : DIRECTOR, FBI DATE: June 29, 1950 FROM : SAC, WASHINGTON FIELD SUBJECT: FLYING DISCS INTERNAL SECURITY - X This is to advise the Bureau that on June 25, 1950, DOUGLAS HARRISON, 2337 Ashmead Place, N.W., telephone, DEcatur 2797, and who is employed at the Hot Shoppe, Connecticut Avenue, N.W., informed that at 9:25 am, that date, while looking out of the window of his residence he saw what he believed to be a flying saucer. He described this object as resembling a cigar, the end of which was tilted down toward the earth and presenting a silver appearance. He estimated the height of this ob- ject as from 20 to 25 thousand feet, and stated the size at that distance appeared to be about four inches. HARRISON could furnish no further de- tails other than to state the object appeared to be moving in an easterly direction. He advised that this is the first flying saucer he has ever seen. The foregoing is being furnished for the information of the Bureau and no action is being taken by this Office. KTD:bh 100-0 RECORDED - 106 62-83894-232 EX-32 JUN 29 1950 FIVE [PAGE 167] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] [Diagram: reverse side of the preceding memorandum showing mirrored see-through text; not transcribed] U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE F B I INTERNAL SECURITY - SN RECEIVED JUL 6 10 10 AM '50 U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE F B I ESPIONAGE RECEIVED JUL 7 1 57 PM '50 [PAGE 168] SAC, Washington Field July 19, 1950 Director, FBI FLYING DISCS INTERNAL SECURITY - X Reurlet 6-29-50. Attention is directed to existing Bureau instructions wherein complaints received relating to the captioned matter should be promptly furnished to a local representative of the Office of Special Investiga- tions, the Inspector General, U. S. Air Force by your office. You are instructed to furnish the information contained in the referenced letter to OSI. In the future, such action should be taken promptly following the receipt of such information by your office. 62-83894-232 EHM:EHW RECORDED - 92 EX-43 Tolson Ladd Clegg Glavin Nichols Rosen Tracy Harbo Mohr Tele. Room Nease Gandy MAILED 15 JUL 19 1950 COMM - FBI JUL 21 1950 [PAGE 169] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : DIRECTOR, FBI DATE: July 11, 1950 FROM : SAC, CHICAGO SUBJECT: FLYING DISC Reference is made to SAC letter #38, series 1949. Mr. TAGE STENSIG, 4905 Bryan Place, Downers Grove, Illinois, telephone number - Downers Grove 1199 J, telephonically advised SA JOHN E. KEATING at 9:54 PM, July 4, 1950, that at 9:38 PM on July 4, 1950, he observed a large, bright, silvery object moving at an approximate altitude of 10,000 feet, in a north, north-westerly direction over Downers Grove. Mr. STENSIG said that his wife also observed this object. He stated that he estimated the speed of the object at 700 to 800 miles by comparing its rate of movement with that of commercial airplanes. Mr. STENSIG advised that he is a meteorologist with United Air Lines and the object he observed was not a plane nor was it a fireworks display. The above is being submitted for your information. JEK:BJB 100-18999 RECORDED - 129 INDEXED - 129 62-83894-233 JUL 13 1950 EX-81 51 JUL 24 1950 [PAGE 170] FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION JUN 30 1950 TELETYPE Mr. Tolson Mr. Ladd Mr. Clegg Mr. Glavin Mr. Nichols Mr. Rosen Mr. Tracy Mr. Harbo Mr. Belmont Mr. Mohr Tele. Room Mr. Nease Miss Gandy WASH 8 FROM PHOENIX VIA LOSA 30 10-03 AM DIRECTOR FBI URGENT FLYING DISCS. AT FIVE FORTYFIVE PM, JUNE TWENTYNINTH LAST, AN OBJECT IN SKY WAS OBSERVED BY MANY CITIZENS OF PHOENIX INCLUDING FBI PERSONNEL. MATTER IMMEDIATELY REPORTED TO HERMAN MUNROE, OSI, WILLIAMS AFB, ARIZONA. MUNROE ADVISED TODAY OBJECT WAS PICKED UP BY RADAR SCOPE AT SIX PM, JUNE TWENTYNINTH, AT WHICH TIME IT WAS ESTIMATED OBJECT WAS THIRTY TO THIRTYFIVE THOUSAND FEET IN AIR. A B TWENTYNINE FROM FIVE HUNDRED NINTH BOMB GROUP, ROSWELL, NM, WAS ASSIGNED TO FOLLOW OBJECT AND PILOT REPORTED THAT WHILE TRAVELING AT TWENTYFIVE THOUSAND FEET HE ESTIMATED OBJECT TO BE ADDITIONAL TEN TO TWENTY THOUSAND FEET ABOVE HIM. PLANE WAS TRAVELING AT TWO HUNDRED NINETY MPH AND WAS ABLE TO CIRCLE BENEATH OBJECT. OBJECT WAS MOVING IN WESTWARDLY DIRECTION IN ABSENCE OF WIND. IT WAS LAST SIGHTED AT EIGHT FIFTYFIVE PM AT A POINT ABOUT TWENTY MILES NORTH OF BLYTHE, CALIFORNIA, WHEN IT WAS LOST DUE TO HEAVY THUNDERSTORM IN AREA. MUNROE ESTIMATED SIZE OF OBJECT TO BE VERY LARGE, INASMUCH AS WITH USE OF BINOCULARS HE COULD EASILY SEE OBJECT. NEVERTHELESS, THE B TWENTYNINE COULD NOT BE OBSERVED WITH BINOCULARS. OSI WILL SUBMIT FULL REPORT AFTER CONSULTATION WITH AIRPLANE CREW AND FURTHER STUDY. NO ACTION BEING TAKEN BY END OF PAGE ONE RECORDED - 15 62-83894-234 EX-43 JUL 18 1950 COPIES DESTROYED 270 NOV 18 1964 [PAGE 171] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] Reverse of the teletype with only faint show-through text and rubber stamps, partly upside down: RECEIVED-NICHOLS F B I U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE; RECEIVED-LADD F B I U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE; RECEIVED-TOLSON F B I U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE; RECEIVED-DIRECTOR F B I U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE; RECEIVED-BELMONT F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE; REC'D ESPIONAGE F.B.I. U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE; CORRELATION-LANSON F.B.I. U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE; dates Jun 30 and Jul 3 and Jul 10 and Jul 17 1950. [PAGE 172] PAGE TWO THIS OFFICE AND ABOVE FOR YOUR INFO ONLY. MURPHY CORRECTION PLS 6TH LINE 7TH WORD SHOULD BE THIRTYFIVE END PLS ACK HOLD PLS cc Mr. Belmont [PAGE 173] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] Reverse of the teletype; only a stamp: RECEIVED TELETYPE UNIT JUN 30 1 31 PM '50 F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE [PAGE 174] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : Director, FBI DATE: July 18, 1950 FROM : SAC, Chicago SUBJECT: FLYING DISCS (b) (7)(D) - INFORMANT The following is submitted for information of the Bureau for whatever action it may deem advisable. On July 1, 1950, (b) (7)(D) , of known reliability, advised that at 1:00 a.m. July 1, 1950, at North Chicago, Illinois, east intersection of 22nd Street and the Chicago, North Shore and Milwaukee Railroad and Chicago Northwestern Railroad tracks, (b) (7)(D) (b) (7)(D) , he observed one cigar-shaped object, about five feet in appearance from his viewpoint, traveling from northwestern to southeastern direction from the Great Lakes Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, Illinois. According to the informant, this object appeared almost directly overhead at an altitude which he estimated to be about 15,000 to 20,000 feet, and it remained in sight for about twenty to twenty-five seconds until it disappeared over the horizon. This informant advised the object did not appear like any falling star or meteor he had ever seen, and that it proceeded in a straight and level flight. The informant continued that the front two-thirds of the object was a constant glow about the coloring of a burning kerosene lamp, and that the rear third was dark. He continued that the object left a bluish-white trail behind it, appearing to be about four inches in width, and about three times the length of the object. The informant advised that there were no wings or other type of support visible to him, and that the propulsion, control and stability were unknown to him. He advised that the speed of this object was much faster than any conventional type of aircraft he had ever seen, although it did not travel as fast as a falling star. He added that there was no sound discernible. With regard to the informant, it is to be noted that (b) (7)(D) (b) (7)(D) It is to be noted that he advised there were no other witnesses who saw the aforementioned object. This informant has furnished reliable information to the Chicago Division in the past, is of average intelligence, and considered of good character and reputation. cc: (b) (7)(D) JHS:RMS 100-18999 RECORDED - 118 62-83894-235 JUL 20 1950 EX-32 [PAGE 175] SAC, CHICAGO July 28, 1950 Director, FBI FLYING DISCS Chicago File 100-18999 Bufile 62-83894 Reurlet July 18, 1950. You are instructed to advise the Bureau whether the information contained in your reference letter has been furnished to the local office of OSI in Chicago, Illinois in accordance with existing Bureau instructions. RECORDED - 117 62-83894-235 EHM:DE MAILED 10 JUL 28 1950 COMM - FBI 50 AUG 3 1950 [PAGE 176] FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION JUL 4 1950 TELETYPE Mr. Tolson Mr. Ladd Mr. Clegg Mr. Glavin Mr. Nichols Mr. Rosen Mr. Tracy Mr. Harbo Mr. Belmont Mr. Mohr Tele. Room Mr. Nease Miss Gandy FBI HOUSTON 7-4-50 2-35 PM CST DIRECTOR URGENT FLYING DISC REPORTED TO HAVE BEEN FOUND NEAR ALICE, TEXAS JULY FOURTH INFORMATION CONCERNING. SAN ANTONIO TELEPHONICALLY ADVISED THIS OFFICE BUREAU BEING INFORMED THAT SUBJECT DISC DESCRIBED AS APPROXIMATELY FIVE FEET IN DIAMETER, ELYPTICAL IN SHAPE AND BEARING SERIAL NUMBER X DASH ONE FOUR SEVEN A AND INSTRUCTIONS QUOTE DO NOT TOUCH UNQUOTE. RESIDENT AGENT CORPUS CHRISTI STATES THAT LOCAL RADIO REPORTS THIS DISCOVERY TO BE A HOAX. FURTHER INQUIRY BEING MADE AND BUREAU WILL BE ADVISED. CAPTAIN O. C. WETZELL, SECURITY OFFICER ELLINGTON FIELD AIR FORCE ADVISED AND REPORTED HIS OFFICE HAD NO INFORMATION RE SUBJECT DISC. PRESS INQUIRIES OF THIS OFFICE WILL BE ANSWERED WITH NO COMMENT UACB. RECORDED - 118 62-83894-236 LORTON cc: Mr. Belmont END AC PLS 441PM OK FBI WASH DC CCW 1-450 445PM Press release O.K. Per Mr. Nichols EX-94 51 JUL 24 1950 Mossberg [PAGE 177] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] Reverse of the teletype with faint show-through text and rubber stamps, some upside down: RECEIVED TELETYPE UNIT JUL 4 4 42 PM '50 F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE; RECEIVED JUL 5 1 08 PM '50 ESPIONAGE U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE; RECEIVED-LADD F B I U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE Jul 5 11 08 AM '50; RECEIVED-LADD F B I Jul 5 9 33 AM '50; REC'D BELMONT F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE Jul 5 11 43 AM '50; RECEIVED-DIRECTOR F B I U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE Jul 5 10 30 AM '50. [PAGE 178] FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION JUL 4 1950 TELETYPE Mr. Tolson Mr. Ladd Mr. Clegg Mr. Glavin Mr. Nichols Mr. Rosen Mr. Tracy Mr. Harbo Mr. Belmont Mr. Mohr Tele. Room Mr. Nease Miss Gandy FBI HOUSTON 7-4-50 3-50 PM CST ICF DIRECTOR, FBI URGENT FLYING DISC REPORTED TO HAVE BEEN FOUND NEAR ALICE, TEXAS JULY FOURTH, INFORMATION CONCERNING. STOKES MCENHEIMER, CHIEF OF POLICE ALUCE, TEXAS ADVISES THAT ON THIS DATE A SMALL ELYPTICAL CONTRAPTION WAS FOUND IN A FIELD ABOUT ONE HUNDRED YARDS NORTHWEST OF MUNICIPAL AIRPORT ALICE, TEXAS. UPON EXAMINATION IT WAS DETERMINED THAT OBJECT WAS CONSTRUCTED BY WELDING A PORTION OF TWO AIRPLANE WINGS TOGETHER. THE CONTRIVANCE WAS FRESHLY PAINTED AND BORE THE MARKINGS DESCRIBED IN REFERENCE TELETYPE, AND HAD NO MOTOR OR MEANS OF PROPULSION. THE CHIEF OF POLICE REMOVED THE OBJECT TO THE POLICE STATION AND UPON INQUIRY DETERMINED THAT IT HAD BEEN CONSTRUCTED BY A GROUP OF MECHANICS AT THE ALICE AIRPORT AS A PRACTICAL JOKE. AIR FORCE OFFICIALS ELLINGTON FIELD ADVISED. NO FURTHER INQUIRES TO BE MADE. LORTON CORRECTION LAST WORD ON LINE TWO IS "ALICE" END ACK 5-54 PM OK FBI WASH DC ED RECORDED - 118 62-83894-237 cc: Mr. Belmont EX-94 51 JUL 24 1950 [PAGE 179] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] Reverse of the teletype with faint show-through text and rubber stamps, some upside down: RECEIVED Jul 5 4 46 PM '50; REC'D ESPIONAGE F B I U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE; RECEIVED-NICHOLS F B I U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE Jul 5 12 19 PM '50; RECEIVED-LADD F B I U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE Jul 5 10 34 AM '50; RECEIVED-TOLSON F B I Jul 5 10 17 AM '50; REC'D BELMONT F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE Jul 5 1 48 PM '50; RECEIVED TELETYPE UNIT Jul 4 5 54 PM '50 F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE. [PAGE 180] FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION JUL 4 1950 TELETYPE Mr. Tolson Mr. Ladd Mr. Clegg Mr. Glavin Mr. Nichols Mr. Rosen Mr. Tracy Mr. Harbo Mr. Belmont Mr. Mohr Tele. Room Mr. Nease Miss Gandy FBI SAN ANTONIO 7-4-50 1-30 PM JMW DIRECTOR FBI FLYING DISC FOUND AT ALICE, TEXAS, JULY FOUR, FIFTY, INTERNAL SECURITY DASH R. CAA REPRESENTATIVES SAN ANTONIO, ADVISED THIS OFFICE AT TWELVE FIFTEEN P. M. THIS DATE THAT THEY HAD RECEIVED INFORMATION FROM THEIR REPRESENTATIVE AT ALICE THAT A FLYING DISC HAD BEEN FOUND BETWEEN THE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT AND THE CITY OF ALICE. DISC IS ELLIPITICAL SHAPE, FOUR TO FIVE FEET IN DIAMETER, HAS TWO RADIO AERIALS, SLOTS OR HOLES INDICATING JET OR ROCKET PROPULSION. DISC HAS NO. X ONE FOUR SEVEN A, PRINTED ON IT, TOGETHER WITH QUOTE DO NOT TOUCH UNQUOTE. LOCAL RADIO NEWSCAST QUOTES CHIEF OF POLICE, ALICE, TEXAS AS STATING FLYING DISC A HOAX. OSI, KELLY AFB AND HOUSTON OFFICE ADVISED. WEEKS END RECORDED - 118 62-83894-238 ACK PLS 331PM OK FBI WASH DC CCW cc: Mr. Belmont EX-94 51 JUL 24 1950 [PAGE 181] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] Reverse of the teletype with faint show-through text and rubber stamps: RECEIVED TELETYPE UNIT Jul 4 3 32 PM '50 F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE; RECEIVED-DIRECTOR F B I U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE Jul 4 5 45 PM '50 (upside down). [PAGE 182] [Diagram: blank orange manila envelope, front, with handwritten file number 62-83894-239 at the top] 62-83894-239 [PAGE 183] [Diagram: black-and-white photograph of a sky with clouds and treetops; a small dark round spot at left (a hole-punch-like mark) and a small distant aircraft silhouette in the center; no text] [PAGE 184] [Diagram: black-and-white photograph of three consecutive motion-picture film frames showing sky, clouds and treetops; each frame has a small dark round spot and a small distant aircraft silhouette; no text] [PAGE 185] To whom it may concern: I would like to know just how much truth is in Donald Keyhoe's book "The Flying Saucers Are Real", published this year by the Fawcett Publications, Inc. Keyhoe quotes a vast amount of information from the Air Force, and the F.B.I. Sincerely yours, G. L. Adams ack 7-11-50 DDC JUL 5 12:20 PM RECORDS SEC RECEIVED RECORDED - 71 62-83894-239 JUL 18 1950 [PAGE 186] July 11, 1950 Mr. Glenn Lee Adams 921 South 40th Street Louisville 11, Kentucky Dear Mr. Adams: Your card postmarked July 3, 1950, has been received and it is suggested that you may wish to correspond directly with the Secretary of the Air Force, National Defense Building, The Pentagon, Washington 25, D. C., since the matter to which you referred has been handled by that agency. I am sure you will find on a close examination of the book you mentioned that it contains no quotations from the FBI but merely mentions this agency. Sincerely yours, J. Edgar Hoover John Edgar Hoover Director NOTE: Correspondent refers to a book "The Flying Saucers are Real" by Donald Keyhoe, which has been read and will be reviewed by the Crime Records Section in the near future. The book mentions briefly that the FBI was investigating flying saucers and that two Bureau Agents witnessed saucers at Las Vegas, New Mexico, 12-8-48. It is not malicious in the references to the FBI, as Keyhoe who wrote the article on saucers for True Magazine. DDC:mjp:mad RECORDED - 71 INDEXED - 71 62-83894-239 MAILED 17 JUL 13 1950 COMM - FBI G.I.R.-1 Tolson Ladd Clegg Glavin Nichols Rosen Tracy Harbo Belmont Mohr Tele. Room Nease Gandy RECEIVED READING ROOM F B I 51 JUL 28 1950 [PAGE 187] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : Director, FBI DATE: 8/2/50 FROM : SAC, Louisville SUBJECT: ALF E. HIXENBAUGH's Photographs of Flying Saucers; INFORMATION CONCERNING On June 28, 1950, the Louisville Times, a newspaper of general circulation published at Louisville, Kentucky, carried a two column cut showing three frames of a movie camera film of what purported to be a moving picture of a flying saucer. The photographs, taken by ALF (AL) HIXENBAUGH, Times staff photographer, were taken, HIXENBAUGH said, on a 16 mm magazine-loading movie camera. [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: paragraph of the memo paraphrasing the Louisville Times article (June 28, 1950) — it says Hixenbaugh shot 50 feet of film on June 27, 1950 near his home at Longest and Everett Avenues, Louisville, at about 4:15 p.m., after hearing a twin-motored DC-3 and then seeing a large disk with a slight corona] [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: paragraph of the memo paraphrasing the same article — the object appeared motionless about ten seconds, then shrank and vanished to the west; the airplane crossed the frame for only about 10 feet; Hixenbaugh notified military officers at Godman Field, who told flight headquarters at Wright-Patterson Field] A copy of the newspaper article and photographs are being forwarded to the Bureau as enclosures. A subsequent newspaper article stated that representatives of the military would fly to Louisville to examine the films. In addition to being printed in the Louisville Times, the movie film taken by HIXENBAUGH was carried on a national television network and received national comment from WALTER WINCHELL. HIXENBAUGH has received telephonic and written queries concerning subject matter of the picture HTH/whp Ls #62- Enclosures-3 ENCL ENCLOSURE ATTACHED RECORDED - 118 62-83894-240 AUG 4 1950 EX-95 51 AUG 8 [PAGE 188] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] Reverse of the memorandum, mirror-image show-through of the page 187 text, with stamps: F B I; INTERNAL SECURITY SECTION AUG 7 3 PM '50 RECEIVED; ENCLOSURE ATTACHED; AUG 4 1950; RECEIVED; 51 AUG 8. [PAGE 189] Ls #62-0 from various persons and organizations throughout the United States, he said. On July 28, 1950, HIXENBAUGH telephonically communicated with the Louisville Division stating that he had been advised that a representative of one of the Army Intelligence Agencies would be in Louisville on Saturday, July 29, 1950, to view the film. He expressed fear that the persons who might be contacting him might be unauthorized individuals and asked if he could bring the film to the FBI office for clearance. HIXENBAUGH was advised that the Bureau did not clear employees of other agencies and if he had doubt as to their authenticity he should check with the agency they professed to represent. HIXENBAUGH was advised that in the event they were not representatives of the agency they professed to represent, the information should be furnished this office and appropriate action would be taken under the Impersonation Statute. On July 29, 1950, ROBERT STEINAU, 1608 South Second Street, Louisville, staff photographer for the Courier-Journal, a newspaper of general circulation published in Louisville, Kentucky, personally called at the Louisville Office. STEINAU stated that he and WILLIAM DAVIS, who is in charge of photographers for both the Courier-Journal and Louisville Times, doubted the authenticity of the photographs taken by HIXENBAUGH and went on to state that approximately two years ago HIXENBAUGH took what he claimed was a night photograph of a "flying disk". The photograph was published at that time in the Louisville Times and showed a streak of light across the heavens. STEINAU said that he and DAVIS subsequently were advised by a friend of HIXENBAUGH that the picture was "a fraud". The friend related that HIXENBAUGH was lying on his back on the ground with his camera pointing toward the sky when the friend flipped one or more lighted matches across the focal plane of the camera. STEINAU said that HIXENBAUGH enjoys a poor reputation among other staff photographers of the Courier-Journal and Louisville Times and he believes HIXENBAUGH perpetrated both the original hoax concerning the flying disk and this later "hoax" concerning the flying saucer to attract attention to himself. STEINAU produced a print made from three frames of the original motion picture negative submitted by HIXENBAUGH for television use. He also furnished an enlargement of one of the frames. He called attention to the fact that the trees appearing in the photograph and the airplane appearing in the center background both are out of focus and appear - 2 - [PAGE 190] Ls #62-0 "fuzzy". STEINAU called attention to the fact that the dot appearing in the picture which was termed a "flying saucer" by HIXENBAUGH appears in sharp detail. This, according to STEINAU, would indicate that the disk was closer to the camera then either the trees or airplane. Although the pictures were taken at 64 frames per second, which is calculated, according to STEINAU, to produce slow motion action, the airplane appears in only the first few frames of the negative and then disappears. The "saucer" appears stationary during most of the frames but eventually appears to be growing smaller in the distance. STEINAU says he does not know how HIXENBAUGH performed the "trick photography" but suggests that it could be done easily by focusing the camera at a spot on a window and then moving the camera in a straight line away from the window, thus giving the illusion that the spot was disappearing into the distance. For the further information of the Bureau it should be noted that the photographic department of the Courier-Journal and The Louisville Times, under the direction of WILLIAM DAVIS, furnishes staff photographs for both the Courier-Journal and the Louisville Times, which newspapers are operated under one ownership. The above is furnished for the Bureau's information. - 3 - [PAGE 191] ENCLOSURE 62-83894-240 [Text present — not reproduced verbatim: newspaper clipping from The Louisville Times, Louisville, Kentucky, June 28, 1950, page 2 — a news story with a headline and photo caption about the staff photographer's movie film of a disk-shaped object seen near a DC-3, plus three film frames; summary of the story as in the memo] [Diagram: three stacked motion-picture frames of sky, clouds and treetops, each with a dark round spot and a small distant aircraft] The Louisville Times Louisville, Kentucky June 28, 1950 [PAGE 192] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : Director, FBI DATE: August 2, 1950 FROM : SAC, Chicago SUBJECT: FLYING DISCS (Bufile 62-83894) ReBulet July 28, 1950. The Bureau is advised that the information set forth in Chicago let dated July 18, 1950 and the information submitted to the Bureau by Chicago let dated July 31, 1950 entitled "ROBERT R. PETRONE, INFORMANT, FLYING DISCS" has been submitted to OSI. WIR-JCS 100-18999 RECORDED - 103 62-83894-241 AUG 4 1950 EX-71 63 AUG 10 1950 R141 [PAGE 193] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] Reverse of the August 2, 1950 memorandum with faint mirror-image show-through and stamps: RECEIVED INTERNAL SECURITY SN F B I U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE Aug 9 2 57 PM '50; RECEIVED Aug 9 5 20 PM '50 REC'D ESPIONAGE F B I. [PAGE 194] STANDARD FORM NO. 64 Office Memorandum • UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO : Director, FBI DATE: July 31, 1950 FROM : SAC, Chicago SUBJECT: ROBERT R. PETRONE, INFORMANT FLYING DISCS AIR MAIL SPECIAL DELIVERY On July 28, 1950, Mr. ROBERT R. PETRONE, Publisher, Midwest Times, 3437 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago, phone KEdzie 3-8400, brought to this office the original letter and envelope attached, postmarked July 25, 1950 at Chicago, which letter is quoted below: "New Flying Saucer "Since we are on the brink of a third world conflict, the world is more air concious than ever. Aviation in some phases is yet in its pioneering days. Much talk goes on about the flying saucers or discs. The saucer we speak about, is not a military secret, and is not yet owned by any government. The flying saucer which was seen over south Chicago last April is a large fuel tank with crystal glass wings. It has two large jet engines on both sides. It is radion controled. It resembles a saucer very much when in flight. The wings cannot be seen on a clear day. This is so it is a most difficult target for anti aircraft gunners. The reason for the large flat gas or fuel tank is to give the ship a long range for atomic bombing. The ship was designed by FRED SPAUNHOLDT, a former 'Linco' skywriter, FRANK HOOCHPAW, aircraft mechanic, and CARL TEICHMAN, German World War I ace. The ship was financed by HOWARD HUGHES, millionaire aviation enthusiast. It is now being tested by the Glen F. Martin Aircraft Co., makers of the Martin Marauder. The craft is only made for one way trips. It has a range of 4000 miles, ceiling of 25,000 feet, and a speed of 750 miles per hour. So far only a few of these craft have been made, and they usually are pitched in the lake or ocean as they cannot be landed. They are merely to carry a bomb of high destruction to enemy country. They have no wheels, but small steel rails on the bottom from which they take off. All other mechanism can be explained in detail. The man who welded the ship says it is by far the best long range bombing instrument he has ever seen. The name of the ship is the 'Danse Macabre'. "Editor "In a few weeks zinc cuts showing 3 views of craft will be sent to you. "Yours "/s/ ALBERT HOLMBERG" Enclosure RRS:bam 100-18999 EX-83 RECORDED - 113 INDEXED - 113 62-83894-242 AUG 4 1950 55 AUG 11 1950 ENCLOSURE ATTACHED [PAGE 195] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] Reverse of the July 31, 1950 memorandum with faint mirror-image show-through and stamps, some upside down: RECEIVED RECORDS SECTION; REC'D BELMONT F.B.I. DEPT. OF JUSTICE Aug 1 4 43 PM '50; REC'D ESPIONAGE F B I Aug 3 12 12 PM; CORRELATION-LIAISON F.B.I. U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE Aug 2 1 38 PM '50; RECEIVED Aug 1 9 14 AM '50. [PAGE 196] Director, FBI, 7/31/50 Mr. PETRONE states that no one connected with the Midwest Times knows of anyone named "ALBERT HOLMBERG", nor do they know of anyone who lives in the circulation area of their paper with that name. The Midwest Times has a circulation of 15,000 copies which papers are distributed in a small area in the northwest section of Chicago. Mr. PETRONE stated he did not want to publish this letter as he felt the Army desired that the matter be kept confidential. He will contact this office again if he receives the "zinc cuts" or has any other corresponence from HOLMBERG. He felt that HOLMBERG might send the same information to other publishers who may print the story. There was no return address for HOLMBERG on either the envelope or the letter. There is, however, an ALBERT HOLMBERG listed in the telephone directory at 2065 North Kedzie and an ALBERT F. HOLMBERG at 11328 South Prairie Street, Chicago. This information is being transmitted to the Bureau for such action as it deems appropriate. The Chicago indices are negative regarding HOLMBERG. - 2 - [PAGE 197] [Diagram: blank orange manila envelope, front, with handwritten file number 62-83894-242 at the top] 62-83894-242 [PAGE 198] [Diagram: envelope in a clear plastic sleeve, with a torn right edge and a stamp; postmark CHICAGO ILL. JUL 25 6 PM 1950] MIDWEST NEWS 3435 W. CHICAGO AVE. CHICAGO, ILL. 62-83894-242 [PAGE 199] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] Reverse of the envelope in its plastic sleeve; only faint pencil marks, [illegible] [PAGE 200] [Diagram: two handwritten letter pages in a clear plastic sleeve, numbered 3 and 4] 3 Martin Aircraft Co. Makers of the Martin Marauder. The craft is only made for one way trips. It has a range of 4000 miles. Ceiling of 25,000 feet, and a speed of 750 miles per hour. So far only a few of these craft have been made, and they usually are pitched in the lake or ocean, as they cannot be landed. They are merely to carry a bomb of high destruction to enemy country. They have no wheels, but small steel rails on the bottom from which they take off. All other mechanism can be explained in detail. 4 The man who welded the ship says it is by far the best long range bombing instrument he has ever seen. The name of the ship is the "Danse Macabre". Editor In a few weeks zinc cuts showing 3 views of craft will be sent to you. Yours truly Albert Holmberg [PAGE 201] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] Reverse of the two handwritten letter pages in the plastic sleeve; only the handwritten file numbers 62-83894-242 on each sheet. [PAGE 202] [Diagram: two handwritten letter pages (pages 1 and 2) in a clear plastic sleeve, blue ink] New Flying Saucer Since we are on the brink of a third world conflict, the world is more air concious than ever. Aviation in some phases is yet in its pioneering days. Much talk goes on about the flying saucers or discs. The saucer we speak about, is not a military secret, and is not yet owned by any government. The flying saucer which was seen over south Chicago last april, is a large fuel tank with crystal glass wings. It has two large jet engines on both sides. It is radion controled. It resembles a saucer very much when in flight 62-83894-242 The wings cannot be seen on a clear day. This is so it is a most difficult target for anti aircraft gunners. The reason for the large flat gas or fuel tank is to give the ship a long range for atomic bombing. The ship was designed by Fred Spaunholdt, a former "Linco" skywriter. Frank Hoochpaw, aircraft mechanic, and Carl Teichman German World war I ace. The ship was finaned by Howard Hughes, millionaire aviation enthusiast. It is now being tested by the Glen F. 62-83894-242 [PAGE 203] To the F.B.I. July 20/50 Dear Sir: The answer to your Letter as near as I know This letter is to the fest of my Remery afout The Reast Sauser that hit the top of a big ash tree my truck Park under it at night. FLYING SAUCERS When I came to the to Go to work I hurd a whistly sound just as I was start to git in the truck and then the Sauser hit the top of The tree an I taken of an left the truck And call Oak Park Ill Police at July 20/50 at 6.29 am oclock. Then a four a month later I found a note in the truck Seat when I was Call out on a trip at 930 oclock at night I taken to the Police here. as near as I can Remper it Said Leave the Cote that is a Peal off Paper that was in the Sauser Leave it out where the Right Party can git. on the Secon Paper it said the Sauser was not ment for you that is a Coade of make of big city an atomic Plant [illegible] Bisness dont mis. [illegible] [illegible handwritten marginal note along the right edge] RECORDED - 108 62-83894- AUG 14 1950 [PAGE 204] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] Reverse of the handwritten letter on lined paper, with only faint show-through and stamps: RECEIVED F B I U.S. DEPT. OF JUSTICE Jul 24 4 19 PM '50 (upside down) MR. JONES; RECEIVED RECORDS SEC. Jul 24 2 52 PM '50. [PAGE 205] If that would been Look in to then it might been a grate [illegible] now I sent it to the Republic Partie at Washington D.C. F Ray Turner. 217 S maple ave. Oak Park Ill. [PAGE 206] [no legible text — blank or heavily redacted scan] Blank file sheet bearing only file-routing marks: 62-83894-244 CHANGED TO 62-48563-7X; NOV 13 1951; initials mmb, C. [PAGE 207] DECLASSIFIED Authority: NND 90986 CONFIDENTIAL ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS UNCLASSIFIED EXCEPT WHERE SHOWN OTHERWISE September 8, 1950 Mr. Walter D. Jones 36 King Street, East Toronto, Ontario, Canada Dear Mr. Jones: I have received your letter of August 29, 1950, and want to thank you for bringing the information contained therein to the attention of this Bureau. The Department of the Air Force is the Department of this Government engaged in coordinating and analyzing the type of information contained in your referenced letter. I have taken the liberty, therefore, in furnishing your letter to that Department for their attention. Sincerely yours, John Edgar Hoover Director Classified by 2040 Exempt from GDS, Category 1 Date of Declassification Indefinite 8/31/77 EHM:eas Note: Bureau files reflect that a Walter D. Jones in 1944 was the Treasurer of the National Council for Canadian-Soviet Friendship located at 80 King Street, Toronto, Ontario. The RCMP advised in February, 1945 that Walter D. Jones was a prominent Canadian businessman and was not known to be connected in any way with the Labor Progressive Party (CP of Canada). The RCMP further advised that the National Council for Canadian-Soviet Friendship was formed primarily by persons prominent in the business life of Canada. According to the RCMP, the list of patrons included the Prime Minister of Canada, many of the Lieutenant Governors of the Provinces, the Premiers of the Provinces and several of the Chief Justices of Canada. (100-309856, serials 1 & 5) RECORDED - 92 SEP 8 1950 COMM - FBI 62-83894-245 51 SEP 18 1950 CONFIDENTIAL [PAGE 208] WALTER D. JONES 36 KING STREET EAST TORONTO, ONT. August 29, 1950. Gentlemen: It has come to my attention that one of the Departments of the F.B.I. is collecting information from eyewitnesses of the phenomenon commonly termed 'Flying Saucers' and with this in view I have the following incident to relate. On July 19th at 10:30 I was looking over my farm facing west. The moon was fairly full and there was a low ceiling of light clouds. Much to my amazement I saw through the clouds a hazy object of light coming towards the farmhouse with incredible speed. It circled before reaching the farmhouse and continued to do so, neither the height or the orbit of which I could determine. I could not distinguish its shape, as it was above the clouds and I could only see a filter of light. This was an entity in itself or within itself. It did not come from a beam either above or below. At times it seemed to retard its speed and then would circle in the opposite direction. After watching this spectacle for about ten minutes I felt in justice to myself that I should have corroboration so I called to my houseman who was in bed who came out in slippers and bathrobe and watched it with me for about ten minutes with mouth agape. I continued to watch it in all for about thirty-five minutes, from 10:30 p.m. to 11:05 p.m. when it disappeared in a westerly direction. I am passing this along to you for what it is worth. If you are not interested throw it in the waste paper basket. Yours very truly, Walter D. Jones The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Investigation, Washington, D.C., U.S.A. P.S. My farm is located twelve miles north east of City Hall, Toronto. RECORDED - 90 INDEXED - 90 62-83894-245 SEP 11 1950 [PAGE 209] SERVICE UNIT SEARCH SLIP 4-22a Supervisor Crossburg Room 3708 Subj: Walter D. Jones Exact Spelling All References Subversive Ref. Main File Restricted to Locality of Canada on the nose Searchers Initial pe Date 9-6-50 FILE NUMBER SERIALS 100-309856 - 1, 5, Initialed